Dear people who don’t smile when I pass them,

I have one question for you and it's simply: why? For the majority of my life, I have never understood this. When I was little, my parents expected me to always use my manners. Now, I’m not saying people who don’t smile do not have manners, but what could possibly so wrong in life to not smile? It’s just polite.

I have learned that females, unfortunately, are some of the worst offenders. Whether I pass someone in the hallways at school, aisles of the supermarket, or on the cardio floor of the gym, a quick beam is all it takes. It takes less than 30 seconds. However, my graciousness is often mistaken for creepiness. It’s quite unfortunate that instead of returning a smile, most women and girls grace you with a look of disgust. Perhaps they don’t even realize that they are doing it, but those dirty looks and eye rolls are unnecessary. Furthermore, when did males think that a simple polite gesture is a means of flirting? Just because we catch eyes in public does not mean that I am interested. And even if I was interested, being rudely dismissive and casting your gaze away is just as bothersome as receiving the stink eye.

Like many, I’m sure you’ve heard the old phrase, “Smiling uses less muscles than frowning.” So that said, work those facial muscles. You never know who’s day you will brighten. Sometimes a smile is all it takes to transform someone’s mood. The little things really do count.

According to Scientific American, smiling may actually help to make you healthier. A grin can improve individual’s moods and attitudes and can be attributed to pain reduction. Not only does it help your physical being, smiling can also improve people’s psychological and mental health. Smiling increases emotional responses and generally makes people feel happier.

I encourage non-smilers to step outside of their comfort zones. Take a minute to reflect on how rigid exteriors may be portrayed to others. If you do not feel comfortable returning a grin, I understand, but just try it. I try to smile whenever I pass another person regardless of how I feel. Maybe it’s selfish of me? Maybe it’s not. Smiling makes me feel happier and knowing that exchanging one with a passerby may be the highlight of their day is rewarding.

Smilers don’t smile to be creepy, weird, annoying, or flirty. They do it out of the kindness of their hearts. They do it because it’s a nice gesture, because it makes everyone feel better, and because it’s gracious. Smiling is contagious, so share a grin with a stranger. You never how good it will make you feel!

Sincerely,

A very smiley me.