I can honestly say that I had no idea, when I was growing up, that being friendly would bring me so many benefits.  That’s not why I was friendly.  I was friendly because the people around me acted that way.  I learned it. At some point, I had to be told that friendliness was not always a good idea.  As I became a teenager there were situations in which to avoid this behavior, as when it could be seen to be an invitation to unwanted attention.  Well, you know what I mean.

But, then there comes a time in your life where there is a lesser chance of that happening because you are older and wise to the situations if they should present themselves.  Women my age, (over sixty,) generally do not have a problem with unwanted attention.

So, let’s return to the benefits of friendliness.  Whenever I smile and say “Good morning,” or “Hello” to people, they usually reply in kind.  I have begun friendships as easily as a first encounter with someone.  Conversations can sprout from just a few words.  To me, it is amazing that this is possible.  It has happened to me on many occasions and has blessed me every time.

I am the beneficiary of having friends all over the world that stay in touch with me and some of whom I have visited in far away places.  It makes me so happy to have friends of all ages, races, nationalities and faiths.  People who are the most different from me, enrich my life deeply because they teach me so much about the incredible variety in humankind.  Old friends are as valuable as gold because they already know so much about you and you know so much about them. With these friends, sometimes words are not even necessary to communicate.  Meeting new friends is like finding a buried treasure chest.  You never know exactly what happy surprises are in store.

Finally, friendliness can bring joy, encourage, give hope or even relieve stress. Sometimes, just a smile will be enough to make a bad day better.  It costs nothing to do this, and the rewards are great.  Smile a lot and laugh easily to make yourself a positive force.  You may find that you are glad you did.  I know I am.