Yes, I’m Smiling at You!

You might know that I walk most days of the week, and I try to take a different route each time to keep things interesting for me and the dogs.

Today, we enjoyed a walk around the Reservoir on a beautiful fall morning, the temperature warm in the sun and cool in the shade, dappled clouds reflected on placid water.

I also smiled at every face that looked up. Most people were walking with friends or family, so many didn’t make eye contact. But I always try.

I learned a new-to-me term this week: “fleeting intimacy.”

Psychologists and sociologists use the term to describe the idea that people can, through even the briefest momentary interaction, develop a temporary connection that develops a shared closeness.

Yes, I’m an introvert. People-ing isn’t always my comfort zone. But this kind of “meet-and-greet” with neighbors and strangers feels easy. It sure doesn’t require much, and it makes everyone feel just a little bit better about our shared connection to one another and the world in which we live. It helps everyone feel seen and valued, even just for a minute.

Can’t we all use a little more connection, a little more kindness?

Dogs facilitate interaction, too. We met Auggie, a mottled gray-and-white long-haired French bulldog (we’d never seen a long-haired Frenchie before!); we met Griffey, named for Ken Griffey Jr., a red golden retriever; we met Willa, a majestic rottweiler-doberman mix; and we met their people, of course. We chatted about our dogs, mostly. We smiled and laughed. We wished one another well.

And I will say, the world feels like a friendlier place this afternoon.