So, what say we break the pattern and begin by, oh, nodding with that I know you know that I know that we see each other on a regular basis. I see you - you exist - and you is A Otay in my book! Start with that. I don't want to scare Vancouverites into true, east coast friendliness so let's start with the you exist in my world acknowledgment. The other day, on a rocky, secluded unofficial dog beach, I met this young family. The woman and I got along famously and I mentioned my blog and my mission and she said that as a Vancouverite she really doesn't feel like smiling to people and going outside herself. That she wants to stay in her head, thinking about her stuff. But, now with her son, she is seeing the other side. Her son smiles and says hi to everyone and the people smile and are genuinely touched by his lovely, open manner. So, with a little coaxing from the smile ambassador, this nice lady might begin smiling more. With her son at her side, she might have no choice. Back to FS' in our lives.
So, start with a nod to your familiar stranger - then see what transpires. Perhaps the nod will lead to a chat. Then the chat will lead to a laugh. Now, you are laughing when seeing this person whilst going through the maze of your life to get whatever it is that you need to get done to actually have a life with some semblance of order. In other words, when going from here to there, share. And then, the familiar stranger becomes an acquaintance. An acquaintance can become...who knows? Open up people! Now smile.
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