So I'm a little older than I used to be and recently when I look in the mirror, I've noticed some lines in my forehead when I make specific expressions. I'm not so sure I like them; when they show up in photos, they definitely make me look older. And yet, I know that these lines aren't just from aging, they are an occupational hazard. Part of attentive listening in psychotherapy involves using your face to convey, in non-verbal ways, obviously, feelings and expressions and interest and even questions. These are my quizzical lines. Really? Don't you think you're kidding yourself there? Give me a break. Not a word gets uttered, but oh so much gets communicated in silence, with the movement of just a few muscles. Yes, Clink, here and there I have a moment of silence. A short moment, but still. Wrinkles as an occupational hazard.
Every now and then I have the thought that maybe I should Botox those lines away, but my first thought is always, will it interfere with my work? Who am I as a healthy without the Quizzical Look? Will my patients relate to me differently? Will they have worse/different/better therapeutic outcomes if my facial muscles are paralyzed? Oh, and since they came from my work, can I tax deduct the cost of botox treatments?
No worries, I'll stay wrinkled....or quizzical....as long as Clink continues to be a nun look-a-like and Roy remains a geek.
