Anyone familiar with this?

I looked up blunted affect and came across this term. It seems it is a phenomenon among those who have experienced trauma, those with schizoid disorder, and those on the autistic spectrum. Although I have none of the above that I am aware of this look seems to fit me. I’ve got it in my head that I don’t have an expressive face. I’ve taken a few online quizzes to see if I might be on the autistic spectrum but I don’t think I am. I’m just very, very introverted and maybe I just have more in common with aspys than neurotypals.

Anytime I’m photographed I look afraid. I do have prominent eyes but it seems to be more than that. A close friend once told me he thought I had been sexually abused from apparently either the way I look or act- I haven’t been I’m just really shy. This information was unnerving...

A few years ago I started doing a little bit of facial yoga and that actually seemed to help me smile much more naturally; I’m not sure what can be done about my eyes though. Now I’m worried I’m walking around with this shell shocked look everywhere I go.

[sideblinded]

Hi GreenMoss

Thanks for sharing. I have learned not to listen to too many things that other people say. Does your close friend know that you were sexually abused or is he thinking an assumption that anyone who may look afraid has been sexually abused? This is just not the case and as you stated you said that you had not. So you can overlook that theory. I wouldn't be too quick to believe online quizzes either. They are more for thought than an actual resolution. I really like that you are learning to smile more often. We all should learn that. I think you were made just the way you are for reasons and you are who you are due to genes. You don't sound broke to me. You sound like a great human being. I don't see why you need to fix yourself as you are special and unique and it is just who you are. Keep on being uniquely you.

[avlady]

i wouldnt worry about how you look, it is probably your natural look. i look like im always in a stare because im kind of spacy from the meds, i really don't think anyone treats me different because of it, they know me well enough to know im on alot of meds and can bring me out of my constant stare.