Something as simple as a smile can make a real difference.  In our society today, many people don’t even make eye contact with each other.  Since I am a “flaming extrovert,” I can’t fathom the act of ignoring people.  

When I am out walking, I smile at people as we pass each other on the sidewalk.  If I am ignored, that’s okay.  But if I get a smile in return, it just makes my day better.  And sometimes, if I say “hi,” the other person will say “hi” back to me.  Even a simple interaction like this can elevate my mood.

I realize that these are small things, but often they can lead to larger ones.  Sometimes another person and I can even have a conversation.  I am energized by connecting with my fellow human beings.

Every so often, I have had an interaction that has led to a conversation and I have had the opportunity to listen and learn something.  Each time this happens it makes me so happy.

There is the opportunity to grow as a person when we interact with those who are not like ourselves.  When this happens it can make a difference in how we view things.  Some connections can even lead to friendships.  I find this amazing and wonderful.

However, there are reasons to refrain from smiling if you should ever have a negative feeling about a person you don’t know.  In that case, don’t initiate eye-contact.  Those feelings are warnings and need to be heeded.  

There are so many opportunities to share your smiles generously with people you know and love.  But if you can sense that listening first may be needed at a time when you are in contact with one another, the smiles can be saved for later.

The fact remains that even a little smile can make a big  difference.  And that is reason enough for me to keep doing it.  Besides, I really can’t seem to see it any other way.  My face seems to have a mind of its own.