Smiling or laughing at inappropriate times

[corazon]

Does anyone else experience this?

I'm not sure this is best section to post this, but I think my tendency to smile in inappropriate situations probably is linked to my social anxiety. I can only assume I suffer from social anxiety, since ironically, my anxiety prevents me from the social interaction required to have this professionally diagnosed. I believe my social anxiety is a major contributor to why I strive to CTB.

To the main point of this thread: despite not feeling as so inside, I tend to grin or even laugh when I shouldn't be. For example, if I'm having a serious or personal conversation with my parents, or just in a generally uncomfortable situation, I have to fight to suppress a smile. This has gotten me in trouble as I come off as disingenuous and uncaring. It seems as though I'm laughing or mocking someone's serious display of emotion and feelings even though I don't feel this way. It is bound to give people the wrong idea.

My parents both know about it and tell me they understand, but they forget. I get it. If I was being honest about something serious, troubling and important to me, and I received a jovial reaction, I'd probably be outright offended. It's gotten increasingly worse and I find myself acting this way more as my mental health deteriorates. I find it so frustrating (and embarrassing). Like my own face is betraying me. I hope I've explained/described this okay.

TDLR;
I often smile (and laugh) in inappropriate situations when I don't mean to. Is this something you can relate to? What do you think causes this?
I'd love to hear any stories and experiences you may have had :)

 

[GasMonkey]

Isn't that a classic thing in the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)?

 

[corazon]

Isn't that a classic thing in the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)?

I just had a look at an Autism Spectrum Disorder checklist, and it could definitely fit in there. I don't think that applies to me as I don't really relate to anything else described, but it is called a spectrum for a reason. Thanks for your input - I learnt something today lol

 

[WaitingToGo]

Does anyone else experience this?

I'm not sure this is best section to post this, but I think my tendency to smile in inappropriate situations probably is linked to my social anxiety. I can only assume I suffer from social anxiety, since ironically, my anxiety prevents me from the social interaction required to have this professionally diagnosed. I believe my social anxiety is a major contributor to why I strive to CTB.

To the main point of this thread: despite not feeling as so inside, I tend to grin or even laugh when I shouldn't be. For example, if I'm having a serious or personal conversation with my parents, or just in a generally uncomfortable situation, I have to fight to suppress a smile. This has gotten me in trouble as I come off as disingenuous and uncaring. It seems as though I'm laughing or mocking someone's serious display of emotion and feelings even though I don't feel this way. It is bound to give people the wrong idea.

My parents both know about it and tell me they understand, but they forget. I get it. If I was being honest about something serious, troubling and important to me, and I received a jovial reaction, I'd probably be outright offended. It's gotten increasingly worse and I find myself acting this way more as my mental health deteriorates. I find it so frustrating (and embarrassing). Like my own face is betraying me. I hope I've explained/described this okay.

TDLR;
I often smile (and laugh) in inappropriate situations when I don't mean to. Is this something you can relate to? What do you think causes this?
I'd love to hear any stories and experiences you may have had :)

Oh my god, I thought it was just me. I keep doing it during the psychiatrist sessions. I can't stop myself and have to keep biting my lip Or half hiding my face with a tissue. I thought I was just a weirdo (probably am). Thought it was something to do with anxiety, thanks for letting me know I'm not alone

 

[LocalMistake]

hi,

i also laugh in bad situations, people tell me it's an anxiety response...

 

[SexyIncél]

It's pretty common. Names like "paradoxical laughter", "incongruous emotional displays", etc

Sadly, this can cause some to become enraged, feeling mocked