Yesterday, someone tried to take my smile. I was at the supermarket, and I greeted the person and smiled. They proceeded to glare back at me with pursed lips and no greeting. I know I shouldn’t let it bother me, but it did. It made me question the smiling, the greeting. Maybe I’m just annoying, I thought. Maybe I should stop smiling at people so much.
But that is wrong. People need smiles. Not annoying smiles that are inappropriate and placed when people are grieving or in pain, but encouraging, I’m glad to see you smiles. Smiles that make us feel good, or at least better.
“Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.” — Unknown
“There is fear when frowning. There is love when smiling.” —Maxime Lagacé
“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward
¨Smile at strangers and you just might change a life.¨- Steve Maraboli
“If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give.” — Samson Raphael Hirsch
¨A smile cures the wounding of a frown.¨- William Shakespeare
“Keep walking and keep smiling.” — Tiny Tim
I wish I could see all of you readers in person right now. We could smile at each other, and we would feel so much better. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Smiles and blessings,
Lisa
Think About These Things 
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Lisa, your message is uplifting! I agree, never let anyone dull your smile. Each smile we share can be a beacon of hope or warmth for someone else. A smile is a universal language of kindness, as you wonderfully quoted. Keep on spreading smiles and positivity, because the world needs more of it. Keep smiling! 🙂
Regards
Abhishek
Thank you for your encouraging comment!😊😊😊 Have a wonderful day!
I have had similar experiences, though, what I received in return were expressionless faces. I smile less nowadays, at strangers, but, inspired by your post, I have decided not to forego my smile so easily😊
Yay! I heartily approve of this comment!😊😊😊 We will keep on trying to smile.
Perhaps you made a positive impression on that person even though they didn’t let you see it. Even if they thought “what’s she got to smile about?” they knew it was something they didn’t have – and maybe wished for. Keep sharing your beautiful smile, Lisa. You make God smile when you do.
Can you imagine how amazing God’s smile must be? What a thought! Can’t wait to see it one day.😊😊😊 Thanks for your encouraging comment.❤
I missed including blackjack0934. Very sorry. I must have been typing.
There are times when it may be difficult for other people to smile back, but the effect of a sincere smile would surely go a long way. It may take a while, but it could later on warm another person’s heart. We need more smiles like that, a kind and gentle smile that gives warmth and light to others without intruding, just like the sun that silently gives light and life to the world.
“a kind and gentle smile that gives warmth and light to others without intruding” I love this! Well said. 🙂 Have a lovely day.
Very Nicely stated.