theconnectionsnj.com SHOPPING, DINING, BEAUTY & EVENTS PAGE 20 n the musical Annie, we are told, “You are never fully dressed without a smile!” Although I am happy to smile any time, I break out in a bigger one upon hearing that phrase. I suppose I brighten because it is my mantra, and I remind myself frequently that people are attracted to warmth, interest, and yes, a smile. It automatically messages everyone that this person is approachable and may become a friend. Additionally, it makes our faces look so much more attractive as the corners of our mouths are lifted toward the sun. Moving into an already developed community in Florida after living almost my entire life in New Jersey offered many challenges-not the least was making friends and becoming part of the social fabric. Why would people want to engage? Why would they want to connect with me? Why would they stop and have a conversation? I returned to the basics and that included reminding myself to smile upon entering a room. I believe it is human nature to smile back when presented with a toothy grin. How can we not? Parents know firsthand how compelling their baby’s first smiles become. The excitement is overwhelming, as we tell ourselves they are happy, recognize, and want to connect with us. Regardless of how many tell the young parent it is only gas that makes that bubbly smile, it is infectious. It hardly matters the cause. It is our reaction, and then their reaction to us, that keeps the “smile cycle” growing. Making eye contact as we engage that smile is one of the first steps toward social development. If there is one gift that is free, universally recognized, encourages connection, and is easy to read, it is a smile. Frown or look disappointed and that, too, is comprehended. We are creatures who, by and large, read facial expression. A warm reaction is natural, perhaps even a hormonal response, to how the face glows when smiling. Traveling anywhere in the world, a smile is understood and may be a key to ascertaining the information we are seeking. Ask a stranger for directions, the best restaurant in the neighborhood, or where to shop, and wearing a smile virtually ensures their willingness to be helpful. Corners of the mouth turned upward seem to create a pact that because you are nice to me, I will be the same for you. I recognize there are times when smiling is simply impossible, and we all know that being disingenuous is unacceptable. We simply cannot and should not be untrue to ourselves or others. I hope those days are limited, and the worthy days of giving the gift of a smile to others brings you the gift of happiness as well. I SLICEOFLIFE The Best Gift to Give! By Ellyn Mantell
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