I absolutely can relate. I don't usually smile though, my default setting is a serious look that apparently comes across as cold. I think my face is going for "earnest, honest and I'm so interested in what you are saying". I think I'm trying to repress my inner panic so much, I come across as cold and indifferent.
It makes me mad and has crippled me socially that I can't seem to get the right expression on my face. I've had people tell me that talking to me is like talking to Mr. Spock from Star Trek, that I'm cold and you can never tell what I'm thinking or feeling, which apparently makes others uncomfortable. It's frustrating, I'm very kind and sympathetic, I truly and honestly feel for others, but I can't seem to get that across in social interactions without seeming weird.

OH yeah I feel your pain wild...

My normal face is deadpan. No expression at all, and possibly lips turned down at the edges. When just sitting and minding my own business strangers will say "Smile!" "Cheer Up". So,my mouth just feels like a slit. When I try to smile, it almost hurts... and looks and feels fake. Not that I don't ever smile or laugh but if I have to put on a fake smile I will... but I'm not ever smiling on the inside. I ran out of smiles and joy a long time ago.

I can so relate. I have a condition in which I smile when nervous. I have had it since I was a child. Boy do I remember getting into so much trouble over it. When I was little, my mom would yell at me, and I would get nervous and start smiling. She would get even more angry at me. I couldn't help it. As adult, it still happens. A very bad thing when the boss is yelling at you too. OMG its been horrible. I have gotton into this habit of pulling my shirt, up to cover my mouth or using my hands to cover my face. A friend I had as a teenager had it to the point where she would laugh when upset.

I have not done enough research to know what causes this condition. I remember hearing once that the muscles/nerves we use to cry or laugh are very close.

It is a very real condition and lots of people have it.

I can relate to you. I am ill at ease with social gatherings and being social especially at houses where I don't know anyone well. I am not comfortable in my own skin. I seem really cold, serious, callous and I am tense. I hate these feelings. Sometimes I do laugh when nervous. I think it takes repetitive practice with others to overcome these facial expressions. I have been this way so long I know it is hard to do. It is scary in some situations with me and I do seem aloof and unfriendly. Ahh, what I would give to be a normal, relaxed person who can enjoy a conversation with a near stranger. However I am fine talking to people at the grocery store etc. It is strange. Don't give up. Some day we may feel so much better with all of this, the more we do it. I hate that thought though.

yes yes yes i can relate. writing to people on daily strenth helps me.....thank you for sharing !

This happens to more people than you think so don't feel alone. Have you talked to your Therapist about it and see what they feel is going on and how you can learn to handle different situations? Hugs GB

This happens to me a lot like this one time I was on a bus which is bad enough in its self when my friend sees a spider in the girl in front of hers hair she pushed me off of the chair trying to get away from it so I was just sat on the ground where I decided to laugh hysterically to wash off the immense embarrassment and anxiety I was feeling so no one could tell x

I do the same thing! my dr once told me I needed surgery and I started laughing uncontrollably, hes staring at me dumbfounded ' why are you laughing, this is serious' Im still smiling and apologize! 'Im sorry I guess Im laughing so I don't cry". I once started laughing telling a friend how my uncle passed away- I didn't even realize I was doing it until they pointed it out- of course I didn't think it was funny, I assume its a nervous reaction, laughter releases endorphins to counter what we are really feeling.

I do the very same thing. I smile sometimes when I talk to my therapist about my traumatic past. I think I did it at first because I didn't want to cry. I used to hate crying in front of people so smiling was just my coping mechanism. It makes me feel weird too that my facial expressions, smiling or laughing doesn't match my emotions or it is the wrong time.

I can really relate to your feeling uncomfortable around people and I too act out in strange ways that embarrass me when out in social or work situations. I'm baffled by my behavior too, so I don't have any brilliant suggestions for you. Sorry. I did learn a coping trick that works sometimes...I speak to my inner child and tell her that adult me will be in charge and OK, then leave her in the car with a crayon and book. It works sometimes :) Just know that you aren't alone. I for one am here for you with an empathetic ear. Would love to be there for you if you need a friend to chat with.

Aw, I totally understand this. Thank you for posting this. I really experienced this last night and keep beating myself up about itinstead of expressing how I really felt I was just smiling and laughing and acting very awkward in front of several new people and an old friend I'm still not comfortable around. I wish, wish, wish I could show my true emotions easily like other people seem to be able to do. I wish I could stop smiling and laughing when it makes no sense too. I also can relate to ariadnesthread. I know people have thought I was being cold or uninterested because they've told me in the past. I can't stand when I do that either. When I desperately want to join in the conversation, but I'm sitting in the corner and everyone's wondering why I'm being so quietwhich is almost always interpreted wrong. I wish they knew I was dying of fear inside. Can also relate to what ScandalousBeauty said about doing it in therapy specifically when bringing up past traumaI hate that. Laughing and smiling is the last thing I want to be doing when talking about that stuff but she makes me nervous too.she is a pretty new therapist. But I've seen people for months before and still never been able to cry or get real with them.

Me too. I also tend to laugh and talk loud. I have to control myself or I'd go running out the room.

Sunglasses work great if it's sunny.

I apologize I have not replied to everyone's reply, but I just wanted to thank you all for letting me know that I am not alone. I hate that other people deal with anxiety around people too, but it is reassuring that I'm not weird or strange for covering up my discomfort by smiling/laughing.

May 2016 be a year filled full of happiness, good health, and peace for you all. God Bless.

yes I too do the same thing
what a dread but it will get better
also may want to try buspirone
It is awesome and took me 10 years too find it
This is a prescription medication but it attacks the fear trickers and zones of your nervous system and eliminates the fear centers and there interactions

?how do you feel on the inside when they are looking at you
Do you feel like an open book?
Do you feel void?
Do you think they will see the real you?

These are just questions I have for people who are in a place like this
Cause I might have the answer's but need feed back to

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