https://www.reddit.com/r/SeriousConversation/comments/1iafsmc/smile_please/
created by lonnywoodhead on 26/01/2025 at 14:25 UTC
0 upvotes, 8 top-level comments (showing 8)
Sometimes, life feels heavy, and it’s easy to get caught up in the stress and chaos of everyday moments. But I’ve learned one simple thing that can make a huge difference: smiling.
A smile isn’t just for others it’s for you too. When you smile, even if you don’t feel like it at first, it sends a little signal to your brain that things are okay, that there’s still joy to be found. It’s like a tiny reset button for your mood. Smiling at a stranger might brighten their day in ways you’ll never know. It’s a universal language that says, "Hey, life is tough sometimes, but we’re in this together." And the best part? Smiles are contagious. One small act can spread so much positivity.
So, here’s my little challenge for you: tomorrow, find three moments to smile whether it’s at yourself in the mirror, at a stranger, or at someone you love. You might just notice the world smiling back.
Happiness doesn’t have to come from big moments-it can start with something as small and powerful as a smile.
Comment by AutoModerator at 26/01/2025 at 14:25 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
This post has been flaired as “Serious Conversation”. Use this opportunity to open a venue of polite and serious discussion, instead of seeking help or venting.
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Comment by Zenterrestrial at 26/01/2025 at 14:45 UTC
12 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Maybe I'm different but when I force myself to smile if I'm not genuinely in that kind of mood it's actually painful.
Comment by oopsymeohboy at 26/01/2025 at 15:37 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I’m a smiler. It’s part of non verbal communication that I use everyday navigating our shared spaces as strangers. I don’t know how not to.
I whole heartedly agree that small acts do a lot, in fact I view them as extremely important. In the US where I am the political climate has lead to social cohesion being particularly fragile right now. So I’m as quick to smile as ever. I’ve also made a commitment to have as many small interactions with strangers as possible when I’m out & about. I find the easiest way to do this is through compliments. Telling the person in line next to me I like their coat, or shoes, etc. I only say things I truly mean and sometimes that leads to rather personal or forward compliments but I do it anyway. I will say right to a strangers face “wow, what a nice face, you are so pretty” or “you’re really a good looking guy”, or “I really like your whole style, you look really cool”. I’ll compliment anything, “awe, you have such a sweet voice” or “you are VERY pleasant, you guys are all so nice to each other” (after seeing coworkers interact together in a great way). Everyone loves a compliment, maybe especially an unexpected one or kind of awkward one, they light right up. It might sound stupid but when you do this you really change or impact someone’s day. They might be in an improved mood for several hours. It feels so good, I love doing it.
Also I’m intentionally being more aware of surroundings. So if someone drops something I am alert to pick it up for them or hold a door. I recently helped someone find their car in a parking structure. If someone looks lost or confused I ask them if they need any help, and they often take me up on it. I give up my seat to an older or less able person, etc. Doing these things does more than just help one person, it’s good public role modeling.
Comment by ZenToan at 26/01/2025 at 15:44 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Please don't smile!
Remain authentic. Respect yourself, and give your truth to others.
If your brain learns to associate a smile with a negative emotion, your whole system is going to get fucked up.
Go to far down this road, and it will take years of therapy to return congruence to your system.
Comment by colormeslowly at 26/01/2025 at 15:21 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
This sounds good but it reminds me of christianity or any religion, you want me to do what you would do and if I don’t poo poo on me!
OP, you keep smiling and I’ll smile when I want to and not suppress my mood to help others feel better or better yet, accept me because I smiled!
Toxic positivity is real!
Hugs to your journey!
Comment by throwRA738383883 at 26/01/2025 at 15:30 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I’m with you on this.
The other people, especially strangers, around you have no clue what’s going on in your life. You don’t have to take it out on them, and a smile isn’t going to make or break anyones day.
https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2022/10/posing-smiles-can-brighten-mood[1] There are studies that show the benefits, even if you don’t feel like it. Obviously, if something catastrophic just happened, you’re not gonna wanna and that’s fine.
1: https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2022/10/posing-smiles-can-brighten-mood
Comment by CivilSouldier at 26/01/2025 at 15:10 UTC
0 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The demand to smile is the ongoing encouragement of business growth through fakery.
We are all fake interested in each other, by design.
Old thinking is.
If I am nice to you and have a product for you that helps you survive
Then let’s make a deal.
Caring about each others actual well being
Has never been an ingredient in the equation.
Until now.
Comment by That_Engineering3047 at 26/01/2025 at 15:24 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Nah. I’m over men telling me to smile.
The show *Sex Education* had a great scene about this where a pretty girl was headed to or from a funeral and passed a group of construction workers who catcalled her and told her to smile. She lost her shit and told them off. It was so satisfying.
Women are told this all the time. We don’t exist for your benefit.