It's not uncommon for individuals to exhibit varying degrees of emotional expression, and some people may appear to have a more reserved or stoic demeanor, which could be mistaken for acting like a robot without emotions. However, whether this is "normal" depends on several factors, including the person's baseline emotional temperament, cultural background, personal experiences, and any potential underlying mental health conditions.
Some people naturally have a more subdued emotional expression, and that is a part of their personality. It doesn't necessarily mean that they lack emotions entirely; they might experience and process emotions differently than others. Some individuals may have grown up in environments that discouraged emotional expression, leading them to suppress their feelings outwardly.
On the other hand, there are cases where a lack of emotional expression could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. In such cases, the person may be experiencing emotional numbness or dissociation.
If your friend's emotional expression is causing concern for you, it might be a good idea to talk to them gently and non-judgmentally about how they are feeling. Express your care and willingness to listen if they want to share their thoughts or emotions. If they seem to be struggling or displaying signs of distress, encourage them to seek support from a mental health professional who can help assess their emotional well-being and offer appropriate guidance.
Remember that every person is unique, and there's a broad range of emotional expression considered "normal." The key is to ensure that your friend feels supported and has access to resources if they need help navigating their emotional experiences.