When did a smile become a terrible thing
I grew up believing smiling at someone & be smiled at by people was a good thing. And healthy for the face as a smile uses less muscles than a frown. But a smile seems to be an evil thing to many people these days. I now have to be cautious as to who I smile at. Many times my smile is met by a nasty face; like, how dare you smile at me. Some women wrongly interpret a smile as a come on; & some of them that do so must be delusional to start with. Some men interpret a friendly smile as gay. And look out if a man smiles at a child. What gives?
RT....I tend to agree with you and am a bit disillusioned by this seemingly "fear of smiling," myself. Strangely, it is only "happy, smiling people," who even notice this void in the crowd. Unfortunately, your statement about increasing reactions of paranoia, is apparent. Makes one wonder if they should remain perpetually stone-faced, to avoid arrest! I hear you, RT.
As an eternal optimist, I find myself being a little more selective, as to whom I will offer a friendly gesture. Now, that's sad, isn't it? The reality is that "a friendly gesture" is basically emoted by smiling.
The vast majority of adults in 2013, can hardly be scoffed at for developing somewhat of a wall of defense around themselves, or more importantly their children. It is, in fact, a much more frightening world today, than ever before. Or, are we simply "more informed & aware?" In any case, this fact becomes something to consider. Add to this defensiveness, the general pressures of coping with a less-than-pleasant "state of our nation," and it's more understandable that people have grown weary or anxious. Some individuals have the ability to remain positive and "keep smiling" through the tough times, many others, succumb to the monsters who can steal our joy.
My own personal thoughts, as always, continue to be that "It's a tough job, but SOMEBODY has to do it!" LOL To wrap this up, RT....I'll go wayyyyy back to share some stunning lessons learned from my Much-too-wise-for-prime-time, Dad. Whenever our hyper-vigilant Mother would insist we avoid associating with kids she felt were "bad influences," our Dad would say, "Well, what makes you think that our daughters' "good influence" wouldn't inspire the others?"
Keep smiling, RT.....it's bound to catch on!!
fpherj48, You dad is wise. I like his advice. Thanks for sharing. If fate ever brings our paths to cross, we will know each by our smiles. lol.
by khaledamindu 12 years ago
How can I control my emotion and give a fake smile to others?
by Money Fairy 11 years ago
Do you think smiling is contagious?Have you found that smiling is contagious? Look forward to hearing your opinion on this subject.
by Kevin Peter 10 years ago
How can a person smile when he is not happy?I usually hear people say that keep on smiling to forget your worries. But how is it possible.
by Escobana 11 years ago
Smile! Do you like smiling on pictures or do you prefer a more serious face?I almost always smile but I'm in between dentist appointments and realize I'm hiding my smile all of sudden. Do you like smiling or do you wanna look sexy or serious? I wonder.
by silverlungs 13 years ago
What is one thing that made you smile today?
by Ramphil Basco 12 years ago
Is it important to smile when you are sad? why?
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