US EditionDear Abby: Rare Disorder Makes It Tough to Smile for Photos. I Wish They’d Stop Asking
- The author experiences involuntary muscle contractions affecting one side of their face due to hemifacial spasm , which makes social interactions and being photographed difficult.
- After unsuccessful surgery, the author relies on Botox treatment, which impairs natural facial movements, including smiling on one side.
- The author is self-conscious about photos and encounters pushy camera users who insist they 'just smile', despite the visible effects of HFS.
- A boyfriend embarrassed the author publicly by loudly ordering them to apologize to a woman in line, causing emotional distress and repeated behavior.
- Dear Abby advises the author to communicate their photo-taking preferences clearly and consider their relationship carefully given ongoing challenges and embarrassment.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Dear Abby: Rare disorder leaves me unable to smile. How do I tell picture-takers to back off?
DEAR ABBY: I have hemifacial spasm (HFS), a relatively rare disorder characterized by random and uncontrollable spasms on one side of the face. HFS can sometimes be alleviated through surgery and/or treated with Botox injections. HFS makes social contact challenging when the face contorts for no apparent reason, sometimes with accompanying speech slurring. In my case, surgery was unsuccessful, and my only option is Botox, which leaves one eye w…
Dear Abby: I have a condition that makes me want to avoid photos; but people insist on taking pictures
DEAR ABBY: I have hemifacial spasm (HFS), a relatively rare disorder characterized by random and uncontrollable spasms on one side of the face. HFS can sometimes be alleviated through surgery and/or treated with Botox injections. HFS makes social contact challenging when the face contorts for no apparent reason, sometimes with accompanying speech slurring.
Dear Abby: Embarrassed by boyfriend’s public reprimand
Dear Abby: I have hemifacial spasm (HFS), a relatively rare disorder characterized by random and uncontrollable spasms on one side of the face. HFS can sometimes be alleviated through surgery and/or treated with Botox injections. HFS makes social contact challenging when the face contorts for no apparent reason, sometimes with accompanying speech slurring.
Dear Abby: A facial disorder makes me self-conscious about having my picture taken, but people don’t care
DEAR ABBY: I have hemifacial spasm (HFS), a relatively rare disorder characterized by random and uncontrollable spasms on one side of the face. HFS can sometimes be alleviated through surgery and/or treated with Botox injections. HFS makes social contact challenging when the face contorts for no apparent reason, sometimes with accompanying speech slurring.
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