The article listed the benefits of saying hello to people. It also mentioned that "smiling has been clinically shown to lower blood pressure, boost immunity, and even release natural painkillers (endorphins), each of which lowers stress, boosts happiness, and improves health."
I told Art about this and when we went out for our walk yesterday, I made a conscious effort to stop and say, "Hello" to everybody I saw on our walk. It was really wonderful! Everyone was happy to be greeted and we even got invited to go to a Buddhist temple which we may very well go and try out.
The nicest thing of all was when we got home, Art and I both felt exhilarated and happy. I believe people are open to kindness and friendliness if you just take that first little smiling step and say, "Hello."
It would be hard to say hello to everyone in the town, but I always try to say hello or good morning or even just to smile at people we meet in our road. And when we're out walking it seems to be traditional to greet anyone you meet. You're right - it does make you feel good. It's a bit like getting comments when you've written something in your blog isn't it?
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful idea, and I hope everyone you reach tries it. And keeps it up.
ReplyDeleteI have always tried to smile, and say hello when it's appropriate. I worked with the public for many years, and tried to greet them all with a smile. Some others in our office thought this was crazy, but I found it not only made me feel better, but business went smoother, quicker, and with fewer foul ups then was the case with those who acted differently. And I even got a few thank you notes afterwards.
wonderful thoughts and an idea...everyone in our retirement community is like that when out walking-we all say hi and smile or if traveling in the car wave to others. it does help everyone's happiness and builds a feeling of community.
ReplyDeleteI have always tried to find something to smile and/or laugh about. (maybe this explaines my low blood pressure) I found that a smile and kind words not only make you feel better but are tools that have disarmed many rather grumpy customers. Not one has left the same way they came in. It feels good to be able to make people smile. I actually have had people on the phone say that they can tell I'm smiling and thank me for making their day better.
ReplyDeleteSmiles, kind words and genuine friendliness...cost you nothing to give and it's a gift that is appreciated by those who've received it.
Keep smiling and get your healthy dose of happy!
I read it too... and I already do it... it does make people happy. but i'm outgoing and friendly that way.
ReplyDeleteI live in a very friendly retirement community also. Almost everyone waves or speaks to everyone else they pass...on foot or in the car.
ReplyDeleteWe live in a very rural area, so we all *must* say hello (then stop and chat for ages) or everyone will talk about our rudeness for weeks. Occasionally I get frustrated with it, but our pace of life is a hundred times better than living where neighbours don't know each other. People here live to a hundred too, so there must be something in it!
ReplyDeleteWe live in a very rural area, so we all *must* say hello (then stop and chat for ages) or everyone will talk about our rudeness for weeks. Occasionally I get frustrated with it, but our pace of life is a hundred times better than living where neighbours don't know each other. People here live to a hundred too, so there must be something in it!
ReplyDeleteOh that almost always works -- to say, "Hello," to perfect strangers. I find I have met some very interesting people like that. Also, here is something you can do that will blow you away and it is not that expensive.
ReplyDeletePick out some person in a restaurant the next time you are there and ask the waitress or waiter to give you their bill that you want to pay for it. He or she will. You pay for it and if you are checking out the waiter or waitress will tell the person that a "nice customer" paid it before he or she left. Or, they might leave before you do and when they discover you have paid their bill they will come over and be about as friendly as human nature allows strangers to be.
It is an amazing thing.
Kay, to me you certainly are a shining example of friendliness and kindness. You always leave such kind and thoughtful comments on my blog and that brings a smile to my face! I try to smile and say hello when out and about, and I agree that I feel better when I get home. I try to give a nice compliment to others when I feel they need it. Its free and a great gift to pass on...
ReplyDeleteAwww..I always say "Hello" to people, but I am a people watcher and people talker to type also..
ReplyDeleteIt really does make a difference. Smiling works for me!
ReplyDeleteI do try to do this every day and it does make a difference! There is so much anger and hatred in the world today that I think everyone welcomes a smile and a hello! Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, my dear niece (above) has said it better than I could, Kay.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree. And I do it all the time.
ReplyDeleteThis is how I've been living more and more. I meet nice people everyday everywhere (went to the new target in Salt Lake today - great!)
ReplyDeleteThese smiling/greeting facts are a big part of my Hawaii novel "Aloha Where You Like Go?"
Thanks for 'giving it away!'
Just kidding. I loved your post. Keep it up and report back, OK?
Hi, Kay. I am just visiting and stopped in to say hello and let you know I was here (reading).
ReplyDeleteHave a happy Thursday and a good weekend. I'll see you next week.
Yup, I agree. We have been enjoying conversations and pleasant exchanges with strangers while traveling. You learn so much by talking to people, especially shop keepers. It isn't the busy tourist season here yet, so people have time to visit.
ReplyDeletei know exactly what you mean. One time, i was on my way somewhere, there was a lady who smiled at me and greeted goodmorning and she does the same to everyone. It was a great feeling to smile back but I bet it was an even greater feeling to be the first one to do so and be given a positive response. i think we all should try this!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous idea! I try to smile at everyone I meet ... have most of my life. When they smile back I often wish folks a beautiful day. Ya never know what's happening in someone else's life at any given moment ... and a kind word can make a huge difference.
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,