10 ways to mask unhappiness

10 ways to mask unhappiness

By: Jennifer Reitz

1. Attempt a smile once in a while, sometimes even a slight grin may convince others and yourself that you’re not quite as miserable as you truly are.
Beware:
Smiling too much will be an automatic red flag for anyone with even the least bit of common sense. Don’t use the ‘Gee grandma I really LOVE this purple and yellow hand knitted sweater that is 4 sizes too small’ smile. Although your grandma may not catch on that you actually despise the loving gift, everyone else will quickly catch on to the false smile.

2. When someone asks you if you would like to possibly do something together in the future (get your mind out of the gutter, I’m talking about hanging out; going to a movie, watching the game, going for coffee, etc.) instead of the usual turn down on your part, spice up this proposal (for you don’t know how much longer they may keep greeting your presence) with the much sought after ‘sure your place or mine?’
Remember:
You aren’t fooling anyone if when you do indeed spend time with this individual you don’t attempt to have a good time. Also keep in mind that you should be careful with who you decide to show your presence to. If you don’t like this person when you’re not in a foul mood, than there is no possibility of you actually having a civilized bond while you are attempting to hide your unpleasantness.

3. While we’re on the subject of other people lets discuss your responsibility. Although you shouldn’t blow off your friends notice when enough is enough. Although your friends may be as dumb as rocks and not take the hint that your sick and tired of their constant critiquing and wish for them to leave, sometimes it IS necessary to literally kick them out. If your attempting to mask a foul mood, having someone around driving you crazy is in no way going to end out being a good situation.
Hint:
When the friend first begins criticizing your furniture or making crude comments about the lamp that looks a lot like his first wife’s mother (who he also mentions was very good looking) that’s about the time that the person needs to be going. Better yet, don’t give them the chance to even do that, hide anything incriminating. If that means sitting on the floor eating noodles, so be it. If you don't give the person the ammunition than a murder may hopefully be avoided.

4. As we discussed, it is important to actually go along with plans someone has asked of you, however, it is also equally important for you to at times make the vital step and ask the questions. Your friend will eventually get sick of always taking the initiative of being the 'man' (or woman- not being sexist here) and asking to make plans. If given enough time you and this friend may quickly lose contact for they will see you as someone who is only going along because you feel you need too (which isn't entirely untrue). Man up to the situation, put you shoulders back, and let the words flow.
Warning:
Don't be surprised if you receive some awfully curious comments or reactions from the person. Depending on the amount of time you have been down before reading this, this person may have thought you were one of the living dead. Just remember to stay positive (which we will get too later and the significant impact it will have) and make up any lame excuse that you know your friend will buy. Your friends may be idiots, and 'I was down, now I'm better' may or may not work. Strategize, keep a few plans at hand in case on or two don't work, think elaborately, and make sure they don't catch on that your still feeling like all the underworld has invaded your soul.

5. As much as it is important to be optimistic with yourself, it is equally important to do so while around others, or about others. Remaining positive about things will significantly improve how others see you. Note that just like with the smiling too much can be bad. Your peers or whoever you are trying to fool will see threw your mask almost immediately and will not take a second thought in exposing you to everyone and anyone willing to listen- or not willing to listen.
Remember:
This plan is exceptionally good because it works well, and not only that, but as an added bonus being optimistic may potentially increase your mood.

6. Make sure that your not only expressing feelings of happiness. Occasionally throw in some anger, hate, love, etc. to spice up the interactions. Life isn't all rainbows and butterflies, and Everyone with the least bit of knowledge of the real world will know that the ever happy you is fake.
Notice:
When in a group of people, before immediately jumping to the first emotion in mind, look how others are responding. If you would like to be at all successful with this tactic train yourself to read others accordingly. While one person is saying how his grandmother was just diagnosed with a brain tumor that is killing her, the best option isn't to gain a huge smile or start laughing. That's a sure way to lose alot of friends.

7. Avoid other who are going to bring you down. This is what would be known as the domino effect. You push one down, and they all fall. Avoid at all costs people who are feeling just like you are under the mask. They will expose who you are. Stress is one tricky bug, there isn't a sure cure, and it's so easy to pass from person to person.
Remember:
Wait, there isn't anything to remember, just be sensible with whom you hang out with and talk to.

8. Stand in a big group of happy, smiling, giggling people. Although you may not be as giddy as your fellow peers, the uncontrollable laughter will at least take you mind off a few things. While in such group people wont really be looking for a specific reaction from someone. You see, big groups are always a good option because while in the group here may be many conversations going on, which in turn means many different emotions. Who knows, all these people making complete fools of themselves in front of many others may actually cause you to crack a genuine smile.
Notice:
Just as with small groups there may potentially be problems that arise. If your not feeling up to par, than chances are there is another person just like you, trying to hide the discomfort the are feeling. The only reason i caution big groups is for this exact reason. Ordinarily having someone able to relate wouldn't be such a bad thing, but when our whole goal is to mask our un-happiness, than having someone relating to your poor sorrow definitely wont work.

9. Sometimes just acting like a fool can make people think you alot happier than you truly are. Seriously, you don't have to act like a jack-a... erm... idiot for people to laugh. If you can make other happy than out of most likely hood they will presume that you are indeed happy as well. They wont catch onto the fact that your probably just avoiding the subject at hand and using foolishness to get out of the situation easily. If you lucky they will completely forget what they were going to ask or talk about and they will join in on the laughter and fun.
Note:
Too much fun may not be a good thing. As with all things great, you must use it in moderation. Too much will make you seem like a complete joker (who most people don't want to be around anyway) and without an onlooker, than trying to mask your unhappiness to others is just as useful as starting a fire in the pouring rain.

10. Make yourself seem involved in something. It doesn't have to be anything major, but as long as they see your pre-occupied they wont feel the need to ask you and unwanted questions. It's easy to be involved, and if it's a good friend they will take the hint that your very busy and cant talk. If the friend keeps pestering you for whatever reason, politely tell them your busy, and would talk later. If the nagging continues, punch them in the jaw, they'll take the hint soon enough.
Warning:
Punching your friend in the jaw may not be the best way to hide feelings of unhappiness. One punch may quickly lead to a brutal fight between the two of you, and that is in no way happy (unless you maintain a smile the entire time). Remember to always smile.