Some people I have encountered have a tough guy frown on their face or have a habit of frowning critically at what they hear, see or observe. Basically being critical people, before even saying a word. My initial ‘little me’ or ‘ego self’ response to them was my own inner judgment, that they were just giant douches. I think that is a typical response, as we first react and don’t try to understand others.
I now do my best to SMILE, look em’ right in the eye and say “Hi, how’s it going?”
People are largely a product of their upbringing, past experiences and environment. If their parents or other role models, behaved and reacted in a certain way, that is likely why they are behaving reacting this way. Also in many cultures or even family cultures if the parents (especially dad’s) didn’t know something or were unfamiliar with something in front of others, an easy way to look confident was to just put a discerning frown on your face or the tough guy look. Following up with some sort of criticism or judgment also helps promote their air of confidence and knowledge. Never admitting they don’t know , or letting others see them as anything but confident. The frown became a default way of projecting confidence (even if on the inside they were unsure of themselves).
Truth is, critical people often have a lens or a front they put on to protect their tender ego from the outside world. We all do this to some degree in certain situations. I know I have. Hell , my wife has flat out said to me ,”what is wrong with you ?what’s with the frown?” When I had no Idea I was frowning at all. I was probably just preoccupied with something stressful.
Let’s do our best to understand others, most often there is a great person behind the frown facade. Let’s do our best to smile ,cut each other some slack and practice non judgment and by doing so influence others to do likewise.
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