Smiling is a good idea for lots of reasons. A sunny disposition and demeanor favorably colors the interactions of my days for the most part… but not every time.

“Hi Smiley” was the greeting I recently received from a business associate while attending a lovely event in glamorous surroundings.  It was early in the day and the mood was festive and pleasant.  It was interesting to think about the notion that I must come across as a person who is smiling and cheerful a good bit of the time.  As I considered this thought, the words to a song taught to me by my parents came to mind.

Let the sunshine in, face it with a grin.
Smilers never lose, and frowners never win,
So let the sunshine in, face it with a grin.
Open up your heart and let the sunshine in.

Smiling is a good idea for lots of reasons.  A sunny disposition and demeanor favorably colors the interactions of my days for the most part… but not every time.

Later that day, I greeted my neighbor with a smile at the elevator asking her how her day was at which point she asked if I had enjoyed my coffee that morning.  Since I had just come from a lovely all day event which was a most enjoyable departure from my daily routine, I said, “Yes, I enjoyed it very much and had as much coffee as I wanted.”

She scowled and informed me that she was going to see if there was any coffee left for her.  As we conversed further, it became clear that she was quite sure I had been in her home drinking her coffee without having been invited.  I tried to let her know that I had not been anywhere near her home, but to no avail.  “You don’t fool me a bit!” was her angry parting comment.

So what’s the point here?  Smiling doesn’t always bring back a pleasant response.  There is a choice on the receiving end of ever interaction as well.

Marion Lorence
Glendale Place, Resident Manager
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