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Anyone else always been told to smile?

BeaE

At every stage in my life someone has told me to smile or commented on my facial expression in a similar way.

The first time I remember this was a comment made by a girl at nursery.

During high school multiple teachers directly told me to smile, or singled me out and directed a joke at me to try and make me laugh. My mum ended up having school put a note on the register telling teachers not to tell me to smile or cheer up!

During school photos, I always received comments like 'you can look happier than that'.

Most recently, people at uni (and to a lesser extent at work) have misinterpreted my expressions, commenting on me 'trying not to laugh', or looking 'terrified', even when I'm actively trying to make the right face.

I'm now wondering if I'm always making the 'wrong' face, and it's only occasionally that people comment.

I don't think anyone means any harm by these sorts of comments, but it's getting pretty annoying at this point and I never know how to reply. I'd never comment on someone's facial expression, and find it very odd that people so frequently comment on mine. Has anyone else experienced this/got any insights? It's pretty random, so I wouldn't be surprised if it's unique to me!

Parents

  • Yep!  Get that one from time to time.  That and enquiries as to what is "wrong" when actually, I'm fine.  And of course I can't arrange my face for a photo.  The only good ones that exist of me are where I am looking into the distance or else I've been caught off guard.

    Most of my life, I had no idea that I am Autistic and just scratched my head as to why anyone would think I was other than fine.  These days, I just simply state: I'm autistic, my face does it's own thing and doesn't necessarily indicate how I feel.  Yes, it's annoying but I can't blame people who aren't aware.  All I can do is educate, I guess.

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  • Yep!  Get that one from time to time.  That and enquiries as to what is "wrong" when actually, I'm fine.  And of course I can't arrange my face for a photo.  The only good ones that exist of me are where I am looking into the distance or else I've been caught off guard.

    Most of my life, I had no idea that I am Autistic and just scratched my head as to why anyone would think I was other than fine.  These days, I just simply state: I'm autistic, my face does it's own thing and doesn't necessarily indicate how I feel.  Yes, it's annoying but I can't blame people who aren't aware.  All I can do is educate, I guess.

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