There are some things that are considered socially acceptable—and even socially beneficial—that we never think to question, and yet if we bothered to take the time to ponder, would realize their ridiculousness. I daresay there are a great many of these, but the one I have in mind at the moment is wholly inconsequential, and therefore the more interesting.
That entity to which I refer is the habit of baring one's teeth accompanied by a simultaneous upward curve of the lips. This is more generally described as the action accompanying a snarl, and yet we accept it by another name and even prefer people who frequently engage in this activity.
Yes, I speak of the phenomenon generally referred to as smiling.
It is not an activity in which I much engage. Mostly I tend to regard the world with a thoughtful expression while I ponder deeper matters, but even I do on occasion participate in this action. The naturalness of this expression causes me to wonder about it, especially as it seems to be in direct contradiction to the rest of creation. Why is it that if other animals engage in this activity we instantly are wary of them and other animals feel threatened, but if we do, then we find friends gathered about us, eager to enjoy our company?
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My friend Erin has a sister who doesn't smile. I think she's smiling in ... maybe two pictures. Even when she was, say, three and six, she has the same bland look on her face. It's funny, really. Almost enough to make me smile. Almost.
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