I Believe In the Power of a Hug and a Smile
Have you ever stopped to consider how strange it is just to see someone smile at you? I met a girl at a party awhile ago, we were introduced, we had a few drinks, we didn't talk much. We were...what's the word...acquaintances. I saw her in the lunchroom the other day, and when she looked up at me, walking past her with my tray, I smiled at her. It was like I hit her in the back of the head with a board. Or called her mom a scarlet woman. I could see confusion, startlement, suspicion, distaste, and panic on her face. Not obviously. Not like her jaw dropped. She just didn't know what to do. I confess I was a little offput. It's so unexpected to see a genuine, unsolicited smile from people these days that getting one puts you on your guard. Is he smiling at me or leering at me? Is he laughing? Did I do something embarrassing? God, I really don't need to get hit on right now. Look away, look away.
Sometimes when I'm driving I just smile at other motorists. I know I come off as a creep but by God something needs to be done and I'm going to start a change. Free hugs and effuse smiles.
