Do you smile at passers-by on the street?

Question

I see people passing me by on the street and I want to smile at them,but at the same time I know they're going to misunderstand it.I see kind kids,kind pairs of eyes and i'm afraid of their reactions.No-one smiles at people they don't know on the street.all I can do to be on the safe side is pass by ignoring everything..........

Answer 1

The cute ones.

Answer 2

Smile away! I've definitely noticed a difference in this area between the Northeast and most of the rest of the country. There was actually a pledge done to combat this in Boston: http://www.pledgebank.com/HelloBoston

Try smiling at people anyway. I think you'll notice a nice blend of being kindly acknowledged by some and ignored by others but I doubt that you'll have any negative responses.

Think of how nice it feels to be smiled at. Share your happiness with others because you've got to give it away to keep it!

Although it not commonplace I try to greet everybody with a hello and some type of smile. If I'm on a run, I give fewer hello's! I always feel better when I act like this rather than go through life with blinders on.

Answer 3

Interesting issue to raise. I do smile at people I pass in the street, I even comment on the beautiful day we are having if they 'look' approachable. I have never to date received a negative response or reply and believe me I smile at 'everyone' even the creepers! It is in the way you do it, be happy with life, dont' stop and engage in conversation at all, keep walking.

Elderly people love to chat, and I love to chat with them...at the Mall they go there to 'meet' people or just be with people. People these days are more open to kindness as there is so much lacking out there. It is up to those of us to bring the spirit back into greeting eachother and nice pleasantries exchanged.

Some strangers can become absolute friends, never see age as a barrier with people. I am not talking about making them all personal friends to take home, no here I mean where you go often locally, you will see the 'same' people too. I always tell any teller or shop assistant to have a lovely day...even if they are grumpy I do more so, and with a smile and a nod.

Dont approach life as if you have to be safe. Trust that you are safely guided and protected by your own Guardian Angel and ask her to make you invisible to people that do not serve your highest good. After much practice you will find many smiles returned back to you, and these will add a bounce to your step in your day.

Blessings be yours in peace, light, love and much laughter!
Harriett Potty ;)

Answer 4

I always feel awkward smiling at people on the street, especially people I don't know. I live in a pretty small town, so I do my best to smile at people that I see. Most of the time they smile back, but I smile with my eyes most of the time, because it's a kind gesture and a little less scary then smiling completly.

Answer 5

believe it or not, I often smile at others. I am a naturally friendly and talkative person.

of course I don't smile at everyone!

A rule of thumb is never to do so to strangers on the commuter train, but other places? yes, if I am so moved.
I have also found flight attendants in particular always return my smile. I suppose it it is due to the fact that they are trained to be friendly?
I have also found that those who live in high density areas are very protective of "their space" and are not very open to strangers. They are reluctant to return a smile, believing they are letting their guard down and then you will try and approach them asking for a favor or other wise invade their space.

In other places such as a library or grocery store folks are a bit more relaxed.
I have traveled the country and found those who most often will return a smile are minorities and southerners.

I advice to you is ;

"do" YOU

in other words, be yourself.
if you feel like smiling, smile.
...do not let others low life conditions drag you down or make you change who you innately are. at the same time however yes you have to always remain cautious.

:) there is my cyber smile to you!

Answer 6

Yes sometimes, it's less awkward if you happen to catch somebody's eye to smile instead of diverting your glance. Where I live in Scotland I find many strangers smile at me too, although that's probably partly because I am in a wheelchair and very small and thus look like a child. London is apparently the worst city to smile at a stranger, and Glasgow the best.

It's the best way to be so carry on smiling! :) :) :)

Answer 7

I smile at people all of the time. Especially when I am out for a jog. Life is too short to be mean to others. I always get a smile back.

Answer 8

It's ok to smile at some people on the street. You are right that other people will mis-interpret your meaning. Some guys might take it as a come on. The criminal predator sees kindness as weakness and may target you.

Usually kids are ok to smile at as are people who aren't threatening. If someone makes eye-contact with you, a simple smile is easy enough.

Answer 9

Yes, I can understand that, there are so many people out there that misunderstand others. But, sometimes I do smile at someone when they smile at me, but I am like you I am afraid that if I smile at someone they might get offended and think I am up to no good. We do need to smile more, the world would be a happier place. :D

Answer 10

Nothing wrong with smiling at someone. That's how friends are found and friendships made. I will talk to people in line at the grocery store, etc. too once in a while. MOST are receptive to it. Life is too short to go around with a chip on your shoulder and I pity those that do. Merry Christmas

Answer 11

Sometimes I do. Other times I don't.

Actually, smiling is a nice gesture. It all depends on your smile, if it's flirtatious, to a guy that may have the possibility of being attracted to you, then it may mean something.

If it means nothing, then don't feel like it means something to that person.

It's all in your best interest to smile or not. But eitherway, it's up to you.

xD