Women and girls are constantly being ordered to smile—often by complete strangers. My daughter hates being told to smile with a passion. Not that Gayle has much to smile about. Comparing Gayle’s face in panel 1 to her face in panel 4, it looks like Elly braided her hair back so tightly that it squeezed her head in to make it narrower. Like many of my friends who have had makeovers, Gayle looked better before than after.
James, that is so sad. Is telling a man to smile microaggression, too? A smart woman friend I had at work a few years ago had a wonderful saying: if somebody doesn’t have a smile, give them one. Moods truly are contagious, and smiling helps convince yourself that it will be okay.
to James, and others – There is a big difference between telling someone to smile and engaging a person in a conversation or activity which encourages them to smile.
I once overheard by a guy who saw two smiling young people, and snarled, “What are you smilin’ for?” Cheerful guy. Real sweetheart. If he saw someone passed out on the street, he’d call 911 as soon as he finished taking the guy’s wallet.
I just realized James must be a professional troll.You have to be a special kind of person to be able to take a warm and fuzzy comic strip like this about somebody making a sad kid feel better, and twist it to take a jab at people who’ve nothing to do with the strip.Every day, I see his ‘alternative facts’ translation of the day’s Non Sequitur strip. I guess he was promoted to attacking Elly, too.(Gee, I wonder if the pay’s good. Does the job have a dental plan? Or are teeth considered a pre-existing condition? I never understand these things.)
Most of us nice, quiet, non-classically pretty (or un-pretty) females have low self-esteem. Even some of the more beautiful ones do if they didn’t receive love and encouragement growing up. It really helps when we are encouraged like Elly is doing for Gayle.
I’ll never forget the man who basically harassed me for not smiling while I worked a public office desk. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him I had literally just buried my only son. You never know what people are going through.
Templo S.U.D. over 7 years ago
what’re neighbors for?
Argythree over 7 years ago
That was very nice, Elly…
howtheduck over 7 years ago
Women and girls are constantly being ordered to smile—often by complete strangers. My daughter hates being told to smile with a passion. Not that Gayle has much to smile about. Comparing Gayle’s face in panel 1 to her face in panel 4, it looks like Elly braided her hair back so tightly that it squeezed her head in to make it narrower. Like many of my friends who have had makeovers, Gayle looked better before than after.
Tyge over 7 years ago
Just the “mothering” she needed. Good on you Elly.
NeedaChuckle Premium Member over 7 years ago
I think a smile is better than a ton of make up.
flagmichael over 7 years ago
James, that is so sad. Is telling a man to smile microaggression, too? A smart woman friend I had at work a few years ago had a wonderful saying: if somebody doesn’t have a smile, give them one. Moods truly are contagious, and smiling helps convince yourself that it will be okay.
Sportymonk over 7 years ago
So true about the smile. I do photography and a smile makes the difference.
ladykat over 7 years ago
Good advice, Elly!
JanLC over 7 years ago
I try to smile at people. Most folks will smile back, and some even nod and acknowledge my silent greeting.
ellisaana Premium Member over 7 years ago
to James, and others – There is a big difference between telling someone to smile and engaging a person in a conversation or activity which encourages them to smile.
Can't Sleep over 7 years ago
Way to go, Elly.
Can't Sleep over 7 years ago
I once overheard by a guy who saw two smiling young people, and snarled, “What are you smilin’ for?” Cheerful guy. Real sweetheart. If he saw someone passed out on the street, he’d call 911 as soon as he finished taking the guy’s wallet.
Can't Sleep over 7 years ago
I just realized James must be a professional troll.You have to be a special kind of person to be able to take a warm and fuzzy comic strip like this about somebody making a sad kid feel better, and twist it to take a jab at people who’ve nothing to do with the strip.Every day, I see his ‘alternative facts’ translation of the day’s Non Sequitur strip. I guess he was promoted to attacking Elly, too.(Gee, I wonder if the pay’s good. Does the job have a dental plan? Or are teeth considered a pre-existing condition? I never understand these things.)
QuietStorm27 over 7 years ago
Most of us nice, quiet, non-classically pretty (or un-pretty) females have low self-esteem. Even some of the more beautiful ones do if they didn’t receive love and encouragement growing up. It really helps when we are encouraged like Elly is doing for Gayle.
LuvThemPluggers over 7 years ago
I’ll never forget the man who basically harassed me for not smiling while I worked a public office desk. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him I had literally just buried my only son. You never know what people are going through.