A smile can usually soften the edges of even the most hardened curmudgeon. It’s nearly impossible to not smile back. You start to feel the edges of your mouth twitching – maybe just a half smile. But then just like babies who mimic the facial features of their moms and dads, we’re hard-wired to respond. It’s the way we’ve learned what safety and love looks like.
I know some people who rarely smile. Sometimes its because they are self-conscious about making contact with strangers. Or they may feel insecure or distrusting of people they don’t know. But when you dig a little deeper, it’s generally because they don’t feel deserving of love. Because most times when you smile, you get a smile back. And if you don’t feel worthy, a smile is not something you search for.