Say Cheese!

For as long as I can remember, every time we pose for a picture (including my wedding pictures), my sisters always tell me, "Do a REAL smile. Not that stupid, goofy smile."

It annoys the heck out of me. What do you mean, do a real smile? I'm smiling for crying out loud. I've tried every single thing I can think of over time. I've smiled extra big. I've smiled halfway. I've laughed right before the photographer pushes the button. I've opened my eyes big. I've practically closed them. I've tilted my head up, I've tilted it down. I've stretched my mouth so wide you'd think I'd shoved a banana in there sideways.

You name it, I've tried it.

But when the pictures come back, I've always got the same stupid grin on my face. I recognize it when I see the pictures, but when I smile in conversation, or when I practice in the mirror or in front of other people, my smile always looks normal. Believe it or not, but nobody has ever stopped in the middle of a conversation to tell me my smile looks stupid.

So why does it always turn out that way on camera?

It may be one of life's unanswerable mysteries. Like where do the missing socks from the laundry go? Or when a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound if there's nobody there to hear it?

As I've looked through pictures from different stages of my life, though, I've come to realize that I've had that same dorky smile for my entire life. Apparently my face was just built crooked. That's about the only explanation I can come up with.

Upon further investigation, I've discovered that I may come by the stupid smile honestly.

Thanks, Dad.