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View submission: Smile, please
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.
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