Smile...

Say: Cheese!
I remember that. It started off in childhood. I think they still do it...
When someone had a camera everyone would gather together for a picture.
The photographer would yell: "say cheese!" and the English word "cheese" is perfect for a smile. Yes, a smile makes for a great picture. Or does it? That is what's socially accepted.

For the benefit of those who don't speak English as a first language, your face makes a natural smile when you say cheese. Funny thing, in Spanish they say 'queso' that sounds like K-SO (clears throat) queso is the Spanish word for cheese and your mouth doesn't have the same appearance using queso instead of cheese.

Am I different? I'm smiling... really I am. I'm smiling on the inside.
Trust me, I'm smiling. Because you cannot see my lips pulled back and my teeth exposed? This doesn't mean I'm unhappy. I'm truly smiling on the inside.
Do I really have to distort my face and show teeth to prove it?

If I smile, will it make someone else happy?

You know, In the animal world, showing your teeth is an act of aggression.... I don't want to bite you... Do you wanna bite me?

Some people have a natural smile. Some people don't
Some people are missing teeth... but they smile anyway!
Some people practice their smiles. I think they stand in front of a mirror... for hours.
They practice their smiles.
Is this good? It must be... so many do it and everyone likes the results.
Sometimes it's the same smile. Perfected.

My old girlfriend had the EXACT same smile. every picture. She took 200 photos of the same smile. For the most part, it was a nice smile... after a while It reminded me of a smiling politician... fake smile.
I asked her to try using different levels of smile sometimes, but she refused.

I still have nightmares.

Maybe I should practice my smile. I'll get off the internet and practice my smile.
This could be good. One day, I'll be famous. I'll be in public and know the importance of a smile and how universally it's accepted (well, except in the animal world)

I will perfect my smile so when I retract my lips and show my teeth, you will know it's a gesture of friendship and not an indication that you're my next dinner.