The Smile That Hides the Pain

A lot of people around us are going through lots of challenges and problems and yet, it usually surprising to see that despite going through all those, they'll rather hide it under a fake smile and laughter rather than share it with others and these can't help but raise lots of eyebrows as regarding why people would do that. To be honest, I'm actually part of those who does that and till date I still do it. So talking about what could possibly be the reason why I do it or reasons why I felt others does it, below I'll be sharing using my own reasons, so without further ado, let's get to it.

To start with, one of the major reasons why I tend to hide what I'm going from from others by taking a smile or laughter is because I don't want to be a burden to others, and the reason why I do this is because I'm of the opinion that everyone has one thing or the other that they're going through and I won't want to add my own to it. To be honest I usually admire people who speak up and asks for help, but then, there are times when they approach me for help rather than fake being fine like me, and I'd be thinking within me that doesn't this people know we all have something we are going through and that me not asking or letting my situations determine my appearance doesn't mean I'm perfect.

Another reason why I tend to hide my challenges from others through laughter and smile is because I don't want them to start worrying about me, I remember some years ago, when I developed an illness, I didn't share it with most people around me, because it'll make them begin to worry and when I finally did share it, it turns out what I'm avoiding is what happened after I told them, yes I know we all need eachother, but then, sometimes I don't want people to just worry about me, another reason why I fake smile to hide my problems is because I don't want to be judged by people, who are usually swift to conclude on things, not to forget, one you ask for help and show your vulnerability, that's when some will say he's so weak, why can't you man up, you're being dramatic and the likes, so I'll rather swallow my problems to myself than have people melt me down with terrible judgement that'll further hurt my already half dead feelings.

Still on why I fake those smile and laughter, is because I've come to see humour as a coping mechanism that helps me forget my problems for the time being, those laughter, funny conversation I had in public or skit I watch are just my way of trying to distract myself from what I'm going through temporarily, because not doing that will only just fixate my mind on my problems and ultimately leading to overthinking and rise in blood pressure.

On a last note, one of the reasons why I usually hide my problems under a shake smile is actually because I'm trying to not only protect me but also those around me, I can vividly remember one thing when I opened up about my situation to someone, that resulted in rejection and disappointment that made the person felt betrayed, and since then I've learnt to just keep my struggles private, rather than spill the beans and have it crush a relationship or friendship I've been nurturing. To be honest, one thing we all must know is that in some occasions, that person who usually makes everyone laugh, could be the person who needs someone to ask they how are you really doing? And then wait long enough with patience to hear their honesty response, because the truth is that people are going through hell, and you won't know until you ask and seem genuine with your concern.

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