A Smile Can Go A Long Way
Start writing a post
Friendships

The Dominican Culture Has Made Me Realize That A Smile Can Go A Long Way

A smile is the shortest distance between two people.

168
The Dominican Culture Has Made Me Realize That A Smile Can Go A Long Way
Srihitha

The Dominican culture is extremely friendly. Everyone says hi even if you don't know the person. And most importantly, everyone always has a smile on their face. The Dominican culture has taught me that no matter what kind of language barriers there might be, a smile can always go a long way- and might even be the start to something new.

As a foreigner in the Dominican, it was hard to communicate since English came to me naturally but the people there didn't know English well. But, one thing that is universally known to everyone is a smile. A smile is something that is understood by anyone around the world- no matter how different your backgrounds, race, language, or anything is.

In my opinion, this was extremely different than American culture- where most people tend to mind their own business and carry on with their day. When I was in the Dominican Republic on the other hand, everywhere I went, even walking the streets, I was greeted and welcomed with a smile. No matter how long the interaction was, there was always a smile involved. Even with a 2 second interaction, it felt welcoming to know that I was in a friendly environment and it gave me a comforting feeling. This made me realize that a smile can go a long way.

It doesn't take more than one millisecond to smile. But this simple action is extremely powerful and has so much meaning behind it. It can make someone feel safe and secured. It can make someone feel comfortable and loved. A smile is the shortest distance between two people. You never know what someone else is going through so smiling at someone could go so much further than you could ever imagine.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39920
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24471
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950366
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

130311
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments