Smiles Away, You’re So Many Smiles Away From Me

I’ve been given feedback—gosh, don’t you just looove HR-approved terms? After all, “give feedback” sounds so much better than the blunt “tell me to my face”—that I project an Attitude with a capital A. I was told that my default facial expression is an aloof, “don’t-disturb-me” look; to look friendlier I should smile more.

Honestly that feedback came initially as a surprise. But upon reflection it does make sense. I noticed that with my brothers their default facial expression is also an aloof, “don’t-mind-me” one. My dad’s was even fiercer; his eyebrows would be furrowed, like he was mad or worried or bothered or constipated. My older brother has this “I’m thinking” look; I guess it works for him as head of academics at an Opus Dei high school. My younger brother, though, is the family clown; he’s often laughing or smiling. But I’ve seen him in his quiet moments; he too has this “don’t-disturb” expression.

I suppose it’s really genetics; our facial structure is built that way. I suppose that sort of explains why not a lot of guys approach me in the bath house or in Bed. Of course, it could also mean not a lot of guys find me to be their “type.” Whatever. Still, I want to try a little experiment—I’ll smile more often. Let’s see what happens.