Why the frown? (1)

Some people tend to frown a lot.  Their facial expression says that they are not happy and possibly angry.  They do not approve of the situation they are currently in.  What causes this?  Can anything be done to help this person?  Let’s consider some steps that a person can take to lose the frown.

People who are happy tend to have good relationships with family, friends and other people in their lives.  These people play an important role because they help you celebrate the good things in life, and hold you up in difficult times.  A relationship is like the bridge that exists between you and another person.  These bridges must be nurtured and maintained if you expect them to remain strong.  A bridge left untended will not support the stresses of life.  Some people talk of investing in relationships.  This is a good analogy since all kinds of investing require that you first give to the cause, and then you will have the opportunity to receive more than you gave.

The way to nurture a relationship is with kind words and actions.  You must express your appreciation for the kindnesses others show you and also for the friendship itself.  Do not take these people for granted – assuming they will always be there.  Be very cautious about critiquing your friends and family and be very quick to apologize at even the possibility that you have offended or done them wrong.  Sometimes we need to set our pride aside, but that is a small price for maintaining the friendship.

This sounds good, but it will not help the serious frowner.  Why is that?  People want to be around happy people.  People who generally wear a smile will have lots of friends and countless opportunities to build and strengthen relationship.  Cold hard fact:  the frowning face seems to send a ‘stay away’ message to people, and they gladly do.  This tendency to avoid the frowning person only makes matters worse.  What can he do?  He will need to force a smile and make the first move towards kindness and friendly interaction.  This is far easier said than done.  Often times, on the inside, the man with a frown just wants to be left alone.  He is well aware that others avoid him, so he considers himself an island.  That is when the frown only deepens.