I only have one facial expression. It's a grumpy face. My grand daughter looked up at me puzzled when she was 4 years old and said " You're not mean" I guess she realized that all the hugs and kisses didn't match the expression. It was an ah ha moment for both of us. At least I don't have any of those smile wrinkles.
I don't like confrontation either, but I think I confuse confrontation with assertiveness. I get taken advantage of too because I don't speak up for myself. Then I start building resentments because I'm being taken advantage of. Anything to keep from making waves.
We aren't being true to ourselves when we do this and put ourselves in a self made prison. I'm working on it a little at a time.
Hugs,
MG