I hope I regularly help people with my instant smile. And as I say in my comment to Sean, generally when I smile at someone, I get a smile back. It's very gratifying!
Being a naturally positive person (to some people's snarky irritation), I tend to smile at people in Walmart - but not usually on the street. Context matters. People in Walmart need a smile: it's a frustrating place to shop. (I get my exercise walking the 6 blocks between grocery and pet food.) The concept of "every type store you could name under one roof" may have started in the 60's in Huntsville at a place called, of all things, Miracle City. I worked there.
I've noticed it's mostly seniors who smile back, which, since I"m a senior, is "safe." Seniors tend to live in isolation with little human contact. I live alone (with 6 ankle biters) so I am aware. However, I am computer-savvy, which many are not, and that makes them even more isolated.
I am in my WalMart quite frequently and I do the same. It's hard to know, though, whether I'll get a smile or scowl back, sorry to say. But I am a naturally happy person, so it's not difficult to smile, even though I may not get one back. But you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll get one if I tell the person behind me that they can go in front of me, which I do, also, frequently. :) :) :) :)
A smile is a hello greeting when you meet friends or even strangers. I know where people are from by the lack of a smile when I see people in public or even on a walk. In my hometown it’s a natural thing to do. Just a small gesture of a smile is a feel good thing, a kind expression to others. Be kind folks. It might brighten your day.
God is good! He made us & He knows our woes & our needs. Let’s smile & look up for our help & endurance. Sean’s mother is right, we probably are more blessed than we know. So keep smiling! 🙏🏾😊
I take it that you have been informed of a furry infestation. Nevermind electrical wires! Their running around your attic (sounds like something stomping across your ceiling!) in the middle of the night must set off unexpected barking and have Otis obsessively staring at the ceiling - which could be the only funny thing about it.
I have discovered two things we can do that changes the dynamic between even strangers. One is simply to smile, and the other is to refer to the other by name. For people in sales, these should be the first two vommandmrnts, in that order. Amazing the affect a smile can have on others.
Right on, Glenn. I've started looking for name tags on store clerks. If they are wearing one, I always smile and thank them by name. I hope that tiny thing brightens their day.
I believe in the "yawn effect." Where ever I go I try and smile at people. It is amazing that most people smile back. Not like just a grin, but a big old smile.
You know I read somewhere that if we wave at each other when someone stops and lets us cross at a crosswalk the person in the waiting car will wave back. It works! They all smile and wave.
I have checked this out Sean, at the grocery store. I go in smiling. I can't tell you how many folks see me, smile and nod their head. It is simply amazing. On another trip I go in not smiling, and no one smiles at me. Heads are down, looking at list or seriously thinking of other dread things, which is going to cost them money. Right On!
If you will but leave a smile
as you pass a stranger by,
you may make his life worthwhile,
and he will not choose to die
of loneliness and bleak despair,
to die, yes, by his very hand,
for he'll see someone who might care,
someone who might understand.
You never know what you may bring,
you'll never see the gift you give,
but smile, my friend, for here's the thing,
someone may just choose to live
'cause what they saw upon your face
made the world a brighter place.
I hope I regularly help people with my instant smile. And as I say in my comment to Sean, generally when I smile at someone, I get a smile back. It's very gratifying!
Being a naturally positive person (to some people's snarky irritation), I tend to smile at people in Walmart - but not usually on the street. Context matters. People in Walmart need a smile: it's a frustrating place to shop. (I get my exercise walking the 6 blocks between grocery and pet food.) The concept of "every type store you could name under one roof" may have started in the 60's in Huntsville at a place called, of all things, Miracle City. I worked there.
Thanks, Te. i have started smiling at folks in Wally World and other stores, too. If they smile back, it is a nice bonus.
for me, they always smile back! especially the children and babies :-)
I've noticed it's mostly seniors who smile back, which, since I"m a senior, is "safe." Seniors tend to live in isolation with little human contact. I live alone (with 6 ankle biters) so I am aware. However, I am computer-savvy, which many are not, and that makes them even more isolated.
I am in my WalMart quite frequently and I do the same. It's hard to know, though, whether I'll get a smile or scowl back, sorry to say. But I am a naturally happy person, so it's not difficult to smile, even though I may not get one back. But you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll get one if I tell the person behind me that they can go in front of me, which I do, also, frequently. :) :) :) :)
I do that, too, Ann. 👍🏼
Me too, Ann. I love the shocked response and big grin I usually get. 🤩☺️
Yes, Sheri, they seem to genuinely appreciate it. 😌 It's really nice when people do that for others. It's very thoughtful.
“Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by…
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through
For you…
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear
May be ever so near…
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you'll just smile” 😊
~Song by Charlie Chaplin, John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons
So glad you posted this song! It came to mind but I couldn't remember all the words. So lovely and brings back memories of wonderful music.
I think I’ll go get myself a cup of tea then sing this out my back door to my neighbors. Thanks for the reminder of the full lyrics!!! Bless you!
Bless you, Miranda! I wish I was one of your neighbors so that I could hear you sing!! ❤️
And sung by Nat King Cole
Great advice!
Yes! I do love the velvet tones and music of Nat King Cole!! Tony Bennett sang a lovely version too, as I recall!
A smile is a hello greeting when you meet friends or even strangers. I know where people are from by the lack of a smile when I see people in public or even on a walk. In my hometown it’s a natural thing to do. Just a small gesture of a smile is a feel good thing, a kind expression to others. Be kind folks. It might brighten your day.
I like to say..... "If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours."
Good one. Now, I need to brush my teeth. Just saying that made me smile.
Yep, always brush your teeth before you smile cause Let us smile isn’t the same thing as lettuce smile. 😃
Haha, clever.
Hilarious, Jeff Q!
God is good! He made us & He knows our woes & our needs. Let’s smile & look up for our help & endurance. Sean’s mother is right, we probably are more blessed than we know. So keep smiling! 🙏🏾😊
I take it that you have been informed of a furry infestation. Nevermind electrical wires! Their running around your attic (sounds like something stomping across your ceiling!) in the middle of the night must set off unexpected barking and have Otis obsessively staring at the ceiling - which could be the only funny thing about it.
“…you’re never fully dressed without a smile!” (Annie, 1977)
We just need more to smile about nowadays....It is why I read the things you write. Thank you.
I have discovered two things we can do that changes the dynamic between even strangers. One is simply to smile, and the other is to refer to the other by name. For people in sales, these should be the first two vommandmrnts, in that order. Amazing the affect a smile can have on others.
Right on, Glenn. I've started looking for name tags on store clerks. If they are wearing one, I always smile and thank them by name. I hope that tiny thing brightens their day.
Great commentary - and all true.
Yes smile and someone will smile back.😊♥️ xxx.
😁😁🙏
It is nice to know babies smile in the womb.
I believe in the "yawn effect." Where ever I go I try and smile at people. It is amazing that most people smile back. Not like just a grin, but a big old smile.
You know I read somewhere that if we wave at each other when someone stops and lets us cross at a crosswalk the person in the waiting car will wave back. It works! They all smile and wave.
Smile a while and have fun!
I have checked this out Sean, at the grocery store. I go in smiling. I can't tell you how many folks see me, smile and nod their head. It is simply amazing. On another trip I go in not smiling, and no one smiles at me. Heads are down, looking at list or seriously thinking of other dread things, which is going to cost them money. Right On!
Wonderful... my hubby and I both smile at people when we are out and about. I shared this to my Facebook page. Good one, Sean!