She didn't speak English. I didn't speak spanish. But we were able to communicate. We shared a common language- A smile.
I dropped something on the floor. She picked it up and handed it to me. I mumbled thank you, in English. I don't know if she understood, but she smiled at me. I'm guessing she said you're welcome. I smiled back at her.
Someone bumped into me, and apologized. I smiled, signaling that it was ok, I was not bothered by it. There were no words involved, just two sets of lips curling at the edges. And yet, so much was said, in that silent communication.
The term 'sinister smile' seems to me to be an oxymoron. But it's not. A smile, just like all the other things G-d gave us, can be expressed in many ways.
It can be forced, or fake. Or it can come from a place of true inner joy, and pass on a message to another person. Theres so much to be understood from a smile, if you learn how to read it.
I was in the store the other day, and I smiled at a stranger as I passed her in the isle. She raised her eyebrows at me, and gave me a strange look. If I had a peak into her brain, I bet her thoughts would look like this:
'Do I know her? Did we meet somewhere, and I forgot? Is she mistaking me for someone else? Or is she just crazy, weird? Ya, probably the last one.'
And then she would go on her way, after coming to this conclusion.
It is a very sad day when you are deemed a crazy person for simply smiling at someone.
But you know what? I think the world could use some more crazy people around.
So go ahead- dare to smile.
I dare, most of the time. Though it is my belief that no smile is better than one that isn't genuine. The worst thing a person can do is show a fake smile. There is one guy in my shul that does this all the time and you can tell he is not really projecting his true feelings.
ReplyDeleteWalking around, smiling at everyone can land you in a nut house, or jail...
ReplyDeleteso don't smile at everyonr,only those ur heart tells u to. the point is, don't NOT smile. and childish, with ppl like that, u have to smile back at him, like u really mean it, and maybe his will become real in time too. as they say, fake it till u make it. (or break it, whichever.)
ReplyDeleteYou cant just smile at everyone, they wil het the wrong impression of you, specially in the city.
ReplyDeletedont smile at everyone- dont smile at no one. find a balance.
ReplyDeleteHey Altie, I'm glad you are back in eretz yisroel, safe and sound. So how was the independence day parties?, haha. This is actually in response to your teacher for a day article. I wanted to tell you thanks for subbing and the kids loved you. I am starting to get back to life, so I just saw your posts from the previous month, and they are fabulous and thought provoking, as usual. Have a great time there, buy me something and I will get that money to you somehow, soon. Have a great shabbos, and email me sometime. It's goodbird770@yahoo.
ReplyDelete