Smile.

A brilliant, vibrant greeting fills the room as you rush to embrace a dear friend, the time that has passed since you last saw them has been far too much. The joy which you feel upon human contact is far too much and something that isn’t a sensation you experience often- outside of hyper sexualized situations.

Smile!

The friend begins conversation while hugging and seems intent on breaking the hug, when the contact draws to a close- the conversation ends… However you can’t help but feel a faint sense of loss at no longer being close to someone you care about.

Smile.

Conversation begins to pick up.

“How’s work going?” They ask- and 25 minute diatribes ensue to discuss the latest intricacies of the newest exploit, the newest hardware, or god forbid the newest drama in the industry. Who’s seeing who, Who’s angry and why. Express your sentiments of regret or enthrallment at what they are signaling so they see you as sympathetic to their likes and dislikes. You feel your interest begin to slowly drain as it becomes evident that this engagement means there won’t be any substantive discussion. No hopes, No dreams, No fears, No Connection.

Smile.

The discussion wraps up and you find yourself wanting to discuss more, to find out about the person behind the thoughts, to figure out why things are happening the way they are. However, there are many other conversations your friend would rather be having with more interesting people than yourself. They find themselves wrapping into other conversations- and you’re left to find another friend to talk to. To get to know. To love.

So put on your best.

Smile.