Facial Expressions Not Meeting Expectations?

[Debbet]

I had the same issue with a landlady earlier this year, she felt that I wasn't hearing her. I later learned that distancing oneself and withdrawing, although it is called disassociating , is one of the symptoms of PTSD. It was about the same time that my flashbacks started so I was a mess. I have since moved but see this sweet lady at church often and still don't know how to tell her what was happening in my head.

 

[Britt.f7]

Cherokee, maybe you can nod, say yes when appropriate, or ahem. Sometimes it is just a matter of saying back what they said to you. Just a simple acknowledgement that you heard her is good.

For me, I use to be involved with customers. Most of the time I would not smile. It wasn't that they were upsetting me, usually, just that when I'm concentrating heavily or supremely busy, it just wouldn't occur to me to smile. Especially if they didn't smile at me. Can't tell you how many times I was talked to about that over the years. I guess my concentrating or trying to get things done quickly, looked like a frown to most of my bosses. I never treated the customers with disrespect though.

I also have a tendency to look away when being talked to or when I am talking. Not always, just depends on what it is. I know in my therapy sessions, especially, I look away. If I didn't, I would start thinking about the way she is dressed, how she looks, etc. It's very distracting, so I look away to concentrate.

Most the time though, people say I hold a lot of expression in my face. Unfortunately, it may not always be when I want it to show.

 

[Five Leaves Left]

I appreciate this post. I generally have a stoic look on my face and I'm also known to laugh inappropriately at things due to my nerves & way of dealing. And when I *really* need to focus on what someone's saying, I put my ear in their direction. I started saying "I'm listening, I just can focus more by listening like this." Every time, the person says "It's okay" and continues on. However, I do understand if the person isn't as friendly or is used to people being less sensitive. Hoping things improved/are improving since you were upfront w/her!