As cascading, incomprehensible world events continue to pummel our being, the urge to retreat to a safe haven has become overwhelming. When circulating in the broader community, the evidence is abundant. Behavioral clues signal a drifting toward societal withdrawal, as evidenced by stony facial expressions, tinged with suppressed panic. The situation reminds one of the dark days of the stubborn pandemic.

Out citizens are frightened about the future of the country and the planet in general. It seems the salvos are coming from all directions, with essentials for life and survival becoming scarce and very costly. Darwinian thinking, once deemed too extreme, looks to be taking over in some quarters. Circling the wagons, to some, may seem the appropriate tactic. In this writer's opinion, however, divided we fail and the only way our democracy will survive and "live long and prosper," is through effective communication and bonding. This is best accomplished by interacting with our community in a positive and buoyant way.

Your writer has been experimenting lately with a technique intended to pry positive reactions in the course of my everyday travels. Not that my usual approach is gruff by any means, but it has been, perhaps, excessively neutral. The weapon I deploy is the smile, a behavioral trait slowly disappearing from the landscape these days. Somewhat perplexing is the reaction it sometimes provokes from my targets. Their return expression seems to ask, "Have you mistaken me for someone you know?" But in most cases, the quizzical look transitions into a return smile as the stone facade shatters in positive response. In combination with physical gestures, such as door holding and other types of right-of-way generosity, both parties are gifted with at least a temporary feeling of neighborly bonding which can be most rewarding

As most medical experts will acknowledge, breaking down those tension-stressed walls can be significantly beneficial to our health. And speaking from personal experience, the uplifting aftermath of such a personal encounter can set a positive tone for the remainder of the day. So, loosen up those facial muscles and give it a try; you won't regret it!

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