The Quote Hoarder: Learning to Smile

What is a smile? It’s the two little curves on the sides of your mouth. It’s what you bring out for pictures, and greet the people you meet with. They also say that a smile is a curve that sets everything straight. But the truth is, it’s just another form of a mask.

How many times do you smile in a day that you really mean it? You probably wouldn’t remember the exact number because you have been doing it unconsciously. But the real question is, did the people around you notice? Where they curious or oblivious? Most probably the latter because they do the same themselves.

Sai, a character from Naruto said this:

“A smile is the best way to get oneself out of a tight spot, even if it is a fake one. Surprisingly enough, everyone takes it at face value. I read that in a book.”

― Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto

Points for Sai, because he learned that from a book. Well, some of us learned from him who is a character in a book learning from a book. (Did that make sense?)

I think people should learn to give more importance to the real value of a smile. It is worth more than a mask, a solution, and a greeting. I’m not saying you should frown all the time if you really don’t feel like smiling but to learn to make it count. I remember a trick that was taught to me when you meet other people for the first time: make the first 30 seconds count by finding one positive thing about the person which you could mention or just take note for yourself. This way you don’t have to fake anything even in that hint of a smile you offer them.

But when you are at the receiving end and you know how to tell if it’s a fake one or not, I think it is also good manners to pretend that you don’t notice. This is reminiscent of another quote but it is the counterpart of a smile:

“When someone is crying, of course, the noble thing to do is to comfort them. But if someone is trying to hide their tears, it may also be noble to pretend you do not notice them.”

Shhhh…

A smile should make you happy, giddy, and all things fuzzy inside. A smile is a treasure freely given. It can be taken anywhere and everywhere with you and it can make others happy too. It is a friendly gesture that distinguishes friend from foe. Remember that a friendship can start from a simple smile. But when you do give out that little treasure, make sure you feel it too.

Though Sai was initially known for his fake smiles, he eventually learned the value of genuine smiles through the bonds you form with those around you.

Be a Sai and learn to form a genuine smile! ^_^