How can I make myself appear more happy and outgoing?

Question

My natural expression always makes me look pissed off even when I'm not. Strangers have even told me, "It's not that bad! look happy!"
I can't keep a smile on my face all the time

Answer 1

i know exactly how you feel, im the same. when anyone approaches me i try and smile and look reasonably happy, but the rest of the time i look a miserable b******

Answer 2

If you wear makeup, wear warm colors, like brown, and peach. You can tweeze your eyebrows if they are thick (not all the way off, just to open up your eyes a little.)

Try to think happy thoughts, smile and say hi, and open your eyes in a "pleasantly surprised" expression when you see people. Not "shocked" - you don't want your eyes bugging out, but when you greet people, you'll appear more happy and outgoing if you have a look that says "Hey, I've been looking for you, and now I found you. Great!"

I have a t-shirt with a big sunflower on it that I wear when I want to be happy. You can also wear yellow or green. People associate yellow with sunshine, and green with friendliness. When people react to what you are wearing (ie: flowers make them smile) then you will react to their reaction. (You will smile back naturally.)

Also, good posture (not stiffness, but keep your head up and in line with your backbone) and appearing "open" (open arms, not crossed in front of your body) will make you seem more approachable.

Answer 3

It takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown.

Seriously, when you first get up in the morning, look in the mirror and tell yourself this is going to be a good day. Smile. You will eventually get used to having a good attitude.

When you see someone who looks good in what they are wearing or doing something nice for someone else, let them know it. I have no problem telling a guy in a snazzy suit that he looks good or telling a gal I really like the way that outfit looks on her. Makes their moment and gives you a chance to smile.

Holding doors for others is NOT a male only thing and there is NO reason you can't thank the person holding the door instead of growling at him. A smile and a thank you will help you change your attitude and let that person know you have manners.

Doesn't hurt for you to hold the door yourself on occasion. You might get some smiles.

Answer 4

don't worry (be happy)

actually my wife has the same problem, the resting state of her mouth is lips thin and forming an slightly down pointing concave arch, making her look a bit sad (or rather, angry) to all the people who don't know her. I've told her that and when she remembers, and especially around people we know less, she sometimes tries to force herself to be more smiling ;-)

at the end of the day, you cannot play games, this is not a stage (despite what Shakespeare said), just be yourself. And if people you don't know and don't care about should judge you on this, so be it. And on the few occasions (celebration, interview) where you think it could really matter, make a small effort!

good luck

Answer 5

Its important to feel happy and be outgoing. If you do then people will react positively to you no matter what you look like. You're right that you can't smile all the time but you can at least some of the time (you could at least make a happier icon).

Answer 6

Why can't you smile all the time...or at least when you make eye contact with people? If you try this you will be surprised at the reaction you get. People yearn to connect with others and that's why strangers tell you to cheer up.
Try smiling at anyone you make eye contact with and do it because you want to make THEM feel nice. I see grumpy faces soften and smile all the time because I have made that simple gesture toward them. When you smile you appear happier and when you make eye contact AND smile you are automatically more outgoing.

Answer 7

I knew a girl who, when her face was at rest looked exactly the same way. She learned to milk it for what it was worth..got a barbed wire tattoo on her arm, wore biker clothes. If she wanted to be your friend, then she made sure to be friendly with you. She learned to appreciate the fact that her looking 'not so approachable' helped keep the most annoying of people at bay.
Work what God gave you, honey!!

Answer 8

You've experienced how people judge a book by its cover. Frustrating I know. Be friendly and people get past the image pretty soon. Looks don't last. Your features may soften with age.

Answer 9

Smile when someone greets you. Sometimes you got to force it. If all else fails, tell the strangers "yes, it IS that bad."

Answer 10

Well try to stay away from dark make-up and round your eyebrows more if you have them too arched. Eyebrows can define your facial expressions so much, you would be amazed.