Is it weird to not smile when saying 'love you' to family?

[Flowers100]

With an expression being neutral not a blank one. And the tone is mild-mannered not emotionless. Not that the person never says it more cheerfully. Do you have to always say it enthusiastically?

(Been told by a couple of family members a couple of times I should smile when I've said it, one finding it funny laughing a bit how I said it which made me privately annoyed when I was being nice. I feel self conscious after if I say it sometimes without smiling and I realise oh I have to remember next time I really don't want to feel daft again)

Well I don't think anyone has the right to tell you when you should smile. What is the point anyway in smiling just because you are told you have to? It would just be a false smile.

I do find it surprising if there is an expectation in your family to frequently tell each other you love each other. Not the norm in my experience. I have always told my DS I love him on a very regular basis but I've never ever said this to the majority of the rest of my family.

If you mean it say it and let your face do whatever it does, even if it's a case of you meaning it in general but being in a rush or whatever that means you're not actively feeling it in the moment (so it doesn't automatically conjure up a smile).

If their criticism has taken the shine off saying it then up to you if you continue to bother. If they don't like your face... are they children? Urgh reminds me of those random men in the street who command young women to smile. I'd only purposely adjust my face while using this phrase for really young children, and then only if I was trying to teach them something.

Don't say it. I never do. They know I love them without constant reminding.

Tell them you can’t smile while saying it because your love is a very serious matter