Hey Stranger…I Know You
Smiling is something that is understood by everyone despite culture, race, or religion; it is internationally known. Cross-cultural studies have shown that smiling is a means of communicating emotions throughout the world. - Carroll E. Izard (1971). The Face of Emotion, New York: Appleton-Century-Croft.
As I pulled in the parking space and put the truck in park, I noticed a woman getting out of an SUV. There was something familiar about her, but it was taking a little bit to register. She smiled and I knew exactly who it was. It was Rachel. She is one of those people like me that smiles with her whole being.
We worked together at the Chronicle back in the 80’s, but I had not seen her in at least 22 years. She ended up walking into Massage Envy, which was where I was also heading. I checked in and headed to the waiting room. When she walked in the waiting room, I let her get by then said, “Hey stranger…I know you…” She turned around, and she was beaming that smile again. We hugged, chatted for a bit, exchanged phone numbers, and then headed off for our respective massage appointments. As I was driving home later, I was thinking about running in to Rachel after 22 years. We both have a few more years on us and look a little different, but there was one thing had not changed, Smiles. You can change someone’s day, even their life, with a smile and a hug. Go out and make a change today.
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