There is nothing more beautiful to me than a sincere smile.
I’ll never forget a story my friend Lynn once told me of the most beautiful woman she’d ever met in her life. Lynn said that when she first met the woman, all she saw was a scarred and weathered old face, but then the woman smiled, and the entire room lit up.
I am a collector of smiles. And, as such, I can be quite judgmental regarding their sincerity.
Take this photo of Donald Trump taken by Alex Brandon for AP.
That’s not a sincere smile. Actually, I register this as more a look of contempt. I don’t think I’ve seen a photo of Trump actually smiling.
How about this photo of Ted Cruz?
I can spot a fake smile in a photo, be it posted on a billboard or a Facebook post. The eyes are more open than they would be. The mouth is purposely open to show teeth. But mostly, it’s the emotional response I have to photos such as these. I don’t feel a sense of warmth. There’s no connection.
Compare those two photos to this one:
Big difference, isn’t there? Even though these children live halfway around the world, this photo invites me to share in their joy. There is communion.
One of the things I miss most about Rumpy and DeDe are their smiles. They were the happiest of dogs and brought a sense of joy to me even when life seemed so hard.
Smiling is one of the easiest things you can do to make your corner of the world a better place. Not only will you feel better, but so will others who experience your smile. So what have you got to lose?
Next time you’re out, smile at strangers and see how many smile back. I’ll bet it happens more than you expect. It’s a moment to share with another person in a world that has become far too lonely.
Dogpaddling Through Life 
People always smile back, even if they realize what they are doing and go back to looking stern.
Sometimes I play a game with people who are really pissed. I keep smiling, then see how long it takes them to smile back. Some will even apologize for their attitude. It’s amazing!
A sincere smile warms my heart!
Mine too. I actually looked for photos of politicians smiling and found few. Most were of Obama. I think that’s one reason why I was initially won over by him- his smile.
My husband, who spent his working life in front of a camera, taught me The Fake Smile. So now, I can do it. I can smile for anyone, at any time. But you are right. You can always tell the difference. You can also FEEL the difference.
And I don’t get it, because most people can spot a fake smile, so why do people keep doing it?
I am one of those people who virtually bonds/makes a friend, literally everywhere I go. (Sometimes I hate it lol)…I have always been a “smiley” sort………..kinda like a dolphin lol
Nothing wrong with that!!!! 😀
Yeah, I prefer the third example for sure. I miss Rumpy and I only saw his picture in post form. Definately miss Jamima still. Cheers,H
Today I was sitting at my desk working and I thought I saw him lying on the floor beside me. I like to think he misses me too and visits me from time to time.
You’ve moved a bit – did you find some areas have more smilie people than others. We did.
Love the Collector of Smiles title – suits you
There are some groups of people who smile more than others. ❤
I, too, am good at spotting whether or not someone is really smiling. And we miss seeing DeDe’s and Rumpy’s genuine smiles, too.