Do You Use “Fake Happy” Tactics to Get Through Life?

Maybe it’s time for a reality check

Photo by Joseph Kellner on Unsplash

A friend of mine is a master of the “fake happy” syndrome.

Always smiling, shaking her head in agreement, and displaying positive body language when interacting with others, she gives the impression of a centered, balanced, optimistic person. By all visual measures, she appears to be genuinely happy.

Until she’s home alone and the mask comes off.

Sound familiar? Maybe that’s because her behavior isn’t all that unusual. I’m guessing that, at some point in our lives, many of us have been guilty of playing out this same charade — projecting a cheerful guise to shield our lack of enthusiasm or interest.

So how do we recognize the difference between what appears to be an authentic joyful persona and fake-happy syndrome? Is there any way to tell if someone is only happy on the outside?

The answer may be closer to home than you think.

Most of us have discovered that a happy attitude attracts others in a positive way, even if we’re not personally feeling the love.

With practice, we’ve developed a few skills and learned how to change facial expressions and…