Smile

So I have been trying to smile more at passers by or people in general - the old smile and nod to see what the reaction is - mostly, I get a lot of blank stares - could it be primal that the smile triggers a fight or flight response, interpreted as the "bearing of teeth"?


Anyone want to try this out along with me and see the reactions they get to smiling at people during their day?

And no, vagina dentata[/] does not count!!!

Quote: aceofspades

So I have been trying to smile more at passers by or people in general - the old smile and nod to see what the reaction is - mostly, I get a lot of blank stares - could it be primal that the smile triggers a fight or flight response, interpreted as the "bearing of teeth"?


Anyone want to try this out along with me and see the reactions they get to smiling at people during their day?

And no, vagina dentata[/] does not count!!!

I've been smiling and exchanging pleasantries my entire life, from the guy in the Rolls to the down and out skid row bum.

In NYC, Boston and other larger cities where I do some walking, I get a little more of the reaction that you describe. I wouldn't call them rude, it's just that everyone is usually in a hurry to be someplace and there are some not so nice people out there.

In the town where I spend most of my time as well as in the other places that I spend time, virtually everyone smiles and exchanges greetings. That also applies to my home casinos as well, if they're not too crowded. Even on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, while jogging early mornings, mutual greetings are exchanged with most everyone I encounter.

I have met some fascinating people and made some lasting friendships.

Granted, there are many negatives to my home state. But this is pretty much normal here. Maybe not like it was growing up, with all of the people moving here from other places. But this is normal behavior here.
Along with waving a strangers on back roads, moving to the right and letting faster traffic pass and holding the door for strangers, male or female. It's the way I was raised to greet strangers.

Growing up in the 50s is was more prevalent. But I still do it, doesn't matter the response. I honestly don't pay attention to the response as that's not why I try to be friendly. Texas is still a friendly state. Even if religion and the belief in some imaginary being has taken hold of politics here.

That last part is sad. And the reason I will be moving away from home when I retire in 2018.