Encouragement

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"I’ve never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful": Anonymous

As we go about our daily lives we come in contact with many people, some of them friends, and others total strangers. For whatever we do, contact and co-operation with others in some way is essential – after all, nobody can shut himself away from human contact and still live a happy and fulfilled life.

So, dealing with others successfully is one of life’s skills that no one can afford to ignore, and yet for some this can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. When in this situation the basic rule is to stop being self-conscious, fretting and worrying what they may think of you.

Instead, to get people to like you and accept you, you must concentrate on showing that you like and accept them, and that you consider they are someone of importance. You will find that most people are basically friendly and wish to be well thought of by those they meet.

It is said that you can make more friends in two months by being genuinely interested in them than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. And, of course, one of the best methods of getting to know someone better, or welcoming them, is with the good old-fashioned smile.

The Chinese, who were always astute in the ways of the world, have a great proverb that says: ‘A man without a smiling face must not open a shop.’ No smile, no customers, and no friends! The reason here is clear; a genuine smile expresses your good will, and will brighten the lives of all who see it.

A smile helps others to like you, it breaks down prejudices, overcomes resentment and reserve, spreads good cheer and strikes up new friendships – all this and yet it doesn’t cost you a penny.

Remember, when the world seems dull and dismal, your smile can make it a far better place. So go on, take a chance and smile at someone, for it might be the only bit of sunshine they see all day.

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