animals

Question
I think that there is something wrong with me and my family-- my brother and sister and me both need to either smush our lips or clench our teeth when we pet an animal. If we don't smush our lips we don't get the same feeling out of petting our pet. Please help me!

Answer
Hi Jamie.

I really don't think there is any thing "wrong" with you. Some people have facial expression reactions when doing certain things. For example, when you feed a baby, you open your mouth as if "taking a bite" (any moms will know what I'm talking about, lol). OR when tying a bow, you contort your face or stick your tongue out and drawing the  same thing. These are quite normal and most of the time we don't even realize we are doing it.

If you feel strange about it, try doing some relaxation while petting. Close your eyes and imagine any calming (to you) while you are petting. Consciously, relax your facial muscles, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, etc.

I think you are being to hard on yourself :)