One of the best gifts you can give someone is laughter. I can't imagine anyone that doesn't like to laugh. I know people who don't think things are funny, but I've never met anyone who says they don't enjoy a good laugh. There's a reason why people most memes on the internet all of the time. People like funny shit! If you NEVER laugh, I honestly think something's up, and not just a fat stick in the ass. It's okay to have fun! Even if life's got you down, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the little things every now and then! Just don't get too crazy and you're be alright.
If you took 5 minutes to observe the people in your area it would become evident that the people who are smiling and laughing more tend to (generally) look happier and healthier. A lot of that has to do with stress. There are plenty of studies that refer to the positive effects that laughing and smiling more have on your mentality. Whether it's feeling more happy, higher life satisfaction, healthier skin, less stress, faster recovery from injuries/illnesses, or the hormones your brain produces to keep the body in equilibrium, a little laughter a day keeps the gray hairs and constipation away.
There's a completely valid reason why people might tell you to "smile more", yet so many people get offended by it and mistake it for "sexual harassment" or take it personally. Sure, that might be the case for some, but GENERALLY people are probably just trying to look out for you (not everyone's an asshole or has ulterior motives, relax) and know that being positive tends to make you happier. I think it's natural for some people to want other people to be happy, too. No need to resent someone for it.
If anything, what does that say about you if you harbor animosity toward someone who only suggested that you smile or relax more?
Of course, I understand that expressing yourself is important and that sometimes we have bad days. Not everyone wants to force an emotion they're not feeling. That's so true and it's sometimes easier-said-than-done to act in a way you don't feel. but consider this: there are two people preparing for a job interview. One person spends two minutes every day in an open, confident posture while saying affirmations such as "You are ready, you can pass this interview". The other spends their time worrying and stressing over whether they'll get the job or not. They think "what if I fuck up? Oh shit! What questions are they going to ask me? I NEED TO PREPARE!" Which of the two do you think is going to pass their interview?
There have been studies on something as simple as posture and our mood and to no surprise people who take time to relax, have more confident body-language, and smile more are happier and perform better than those who have submissive (or closed) body-language, don't smile, and don't take time to relax. The expression "fake it 'til you make it" in this case is great advice. If you're feeling down, you have to do something about it to pick yourself up. Hoping you get better won't accomplish anything. You HAVE to take that first step and smiling and trying to laugh more is one thing everyone can try doing. And what do you have to lose by trying to smile or laugh more? Nothing.
We only have one life so we might as well try to live it happily, yeah?
Why so serious?
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What's something you find hilarious?
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