So normally i'm an expert at faking my emotions around other people. its now getting harder. thats when i know i'm on a down slide.
But i wanted to write this so for anyone out there that needs to be able to 'fake it' around their co-workers or at a family gathering (yikes) then here are some tips for you.
1.Avoid people cautiously. if you avoid them too much they are definitely going to ask you if you are ok. Avoid that at all cost.
2.as for putting on a smile. you dont need to do it all day long. just adjust your tone in your voice. slightly higher pitched when you greet them or say hi. that will make you 'sound' happy and interested.
3. for the most part people dont tend to stick around and talk long. they say there how are yous and go on from there. its pretty easy to fake it for a minute or so.
4. Cut it short. if they catch you in the hallway, let them say their hellos but have one foot facing the other direction so they know you are on your way. tell them you gotta quick run but will catch up with them later. (you wont really have too)
5. AND this one is KEY. if you have someone that keeps engaging you in conversation, turn the conversation around. ask them how THEY are, how are their kids, how is their job/project/social function. This way They are responsible for conversation and you dont have to smile...just look interested and nod. People are inheretly ego-centric and will Gladly take on as leader of conversation. Then after a few minutes tell them you are happy for them but you gotta run.
After a session like this you may want to go to the restroom or some quiet room as you will need a little down time. that can be pretty exhausting to someone who is struggling with your low level mood. But it is worth it, so the rumor mill wont start and you wont have 100 people coming to you asking you if everything is ok. THAT question is more difficult to answer over and over again.
6. At work you if you can engage in independent projects that wont require acknowledging others around you. you will look very focused and like a hard worker. that will be a bonus.
i know there are a few others but i cant think of them right now. And remember, it does help if you have one person at your place of work that you can confide in, hang around them and the appearance of being social will be there.
But i wanted to write this so for anyone out there that needs to be able to 'fake it' around their co-workers or at a family gathering (yikes) then here are some tips for you.
1.Avoid people cautiously. if you avoid them too much they are definitely going to ask you if you are ok. Avoid that at all cost.
2.as for putting on a smile. you dont need to do it all day long. just adjust your tone in your voice. slightly higher pitched when you greet them or say hi. that will make you 'sound' happy and interested.
3. for the most part people dont tend to stick around and talk long. they say there how are yous and go on from there. its pretty easy to fake it for a minute or so.
4. Cut it short. if they catch you in the hallway, let them say their hellos but have one foot facing the other direction so they know you are on your way. tell them you gotta quick run but will catch up with them later. (you wont really have too)
5. AND this one is KEY. if you have someone that keeps engaging you in conversation, turn the conversation around. ask them how THEY are, how are their kids, how is their job/project/social function. This way They are responsible for conversation and you dont have to smile...just look interested and nod. People are inheretly ego-centric and will Gladly take on as leader of conversation. Then after a few minutes tell them you are happy for them but you gotta run.
After a session like this you may want to go to the restroom or some quiet room as you will need a little down time. that can be pretty exhausting to someone who is struggling with your low level mood. But it is worth it, so the rumor mill wont start and you wont have 100 people coming to you asking you if everything is ok. THAT question is more difficult to answer over and over again.
6. At work you if you can engage in independent projects that wont require acknowledging others around you. you will look very focused and like a hard worker. that will be a bonus.
i know there are a few others but i cant think of them right now. And remember, it does help if you have one person at your place of work that you can confide in, hang around them and the appearance of being social will be there.
