Maybe it’s because I live in the Midwest where this is the norm. But I am very uncomfortable around people who constantly have this slappy ass grin on their faces especially when they meet me for the first time.
Like I get it’s a friendliness thing and they’re wanting to open themselves with warmness. But I don’t know this person. I guess I divide my social relationships into different categories and there are people that I feel more comfortable with and most others are just strangers/acquaintances, because they are.
This person doesn’t even know me, has never had an actual conversation with me, knows nothing about how I live or what I like or dislike, and smiling this happy ass grin at me and acting like we’re best friends when we’re strangers…it comes off as insincere, foolish, and egocentric. Them pretending that we’re best friends right off the bat is more about them wanting to be self-important and happy rather than actually building a real friendship over time.
My other gripe is that I’ve had issues with trust with these kinds of people. They act like they’re happy to see you and you’re besties, but when I’m in need or actually need help, they’re nowhere to be found as social support.
Again I’m sure it’s just a Midwest thing but I really do not enjoy this regional trait.
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I don’t think people think they’re best friends with you because they smile at you. Smiling is just some people’s default. It’s scientifically proven that smiling a lot raises your endorphins.
This really just seems like a you problem.
Bless your heart.
I think socially we have been conditioned to smile at others. Maybe these are people who actually enjoy being around others.
move to New York. sounds like you’re one of us.
>and smiling this happy ass grin at me and acting like we’re best friends when we’re strangers
People smiling at you does not mean they assume they are best friends with you.
>This person doesn’t even know me,
Do you have to know a person intimately before you decide to be kind to them?
You seem to be making a LOT of extreme assumptions about why people do this. It’s really not that deep.
You are thinking too much out of simple friendly smile. I live in Midwest, while I stand outside waiting for bus with my son every morning and I wave to all neighbors who drive past. I wasn’t even born in Midwest but I truly appreciate people’s friendliness.
Why would you think that smiling at someone means they think they’re your friend? Seems a bit more egocentric on your part, tbh
When I lived in the south, smiling was both easy and mandatory. When I moved to Philly it took me a while to realize why people were giving me rude or even freaked out looks. I toned it down a lot.
That’s why I always frown at people who fit the redditor profile, hopefully it makes their tisms calm down a little.
I always say “share a smile”. You may have just made someone smile that is having f a bad day!!
Well you should come move to the Pacific Northwest. We’re mean and angry AF out here. No one will smile at you. Ever.
The human experience is to attempt to make connections with other humans. This is demonstrated heavily in primates as well, not usually with smiling but with other gestures. Smiling at different species of primate can actually be considered aggressive but I digress.
Sorry, the ganja kicked in
Smiling costs nothing, can have positive health benefits for both the person smiling and the person being smiled at, and is just about the easiest way in the world to add a little friendliness to an unkind world.
Smiles from strangers have stopped people from going through with a suicide attempt.
You never know when someone just needs a simple act of human connection and kindness. It’s a powerful thing. And maybe, just maybe, they genuinely are enjoying your company or the chance to meet someone new.