Angry Resting Face

Hunter looked me straight in the face and said "Dad, you know that when you smile the whole family is happy. When you are angry it changes everything and how we feel!"

This was 3 nights ago at dinner in Phu Quoc, Vietnam.

I sat back in my seat and smiled. Then I laughed and we discussed my smile.

A simple smile.

Something I did not do for 37 or so years!

I have told this story on Podcasts before and even written about it. I'll keep this brief.

You see I was born missing 2 upper teeth and had large gaps. A couple of years ago I finally got my act together and sorted the biggest source of anxiety and stress in my life. A long process which has now left me with a smile and I can laugh open mouthed.

The thought of braces my entire life was embarrassing as a man. Only when tech moved on and Invisalign was introduced to me did I think a change might be possible. Invisalign are clear plastic gum shields which move your teeth to required positions.

The internal battle with my teeth would bring me to tears behind closed doors. I hated them!

For Hunter to tell me how important my smile is to our family was a huge moment for me. If I had not faced and changed what bothered me most I would not now be aware of how big an impact I have with my emotions as a dad.

The funny thing is that I still do not smile a huge amount and we laugh as a family that I always look like I have an Angry Resting Face!

So much so Abby and the kids regularly ask if I am ok when we are doing something fun or when I should be enjoying myself! This is now a running joke as when they ask I burst into a smile and announce of course I'm having fun! This grumpy look is just the face I have developed over years of not wanting to smile and show my teeth.

This story also dips into my previous post about regret! I regret not acting sooner and fixing me teeth.

This blog is helping me talk and share my journey to today.

You know when I first shared the story of my teeth and documented the journey on Insta. It was wife's and girlfriends that reached out to thank me for sharing. They told me stories of the men in their life's that have their own anxieties and struggles and me talking will hopefully help them.

There is more in my head about the effect my mood as a dad has on the family. I can't possibly be constantly happy and smiling. It is still yet to sink in despite being told several times that the kids misbehaving is usually the source of my anger !!!!!! I'll get round to unpacking that soon.

Now fuck off and sort the shit that's bothering you! You won't regret it!

Cheers

Nashy