While I was on my cycling trip I learned to ride defensively, acknowledging every oncoming driver on a quiet road, nodding and smiling at every driver coming into to a right turn situation so that I knew I was seen. I noticed that when I did this not only did I get people’s attention; I usually got a smile in return.
Now, back in Boston where public smiles are rare as snow in Hawaii, I have kept up my habit. Sometimes I still get a smile
in return. More often I get a look of shocked amazement that turns into a positive reaction, and at the most extreme, the driver shoots me a frown of doubt, as if he is using all of his mental powers to figure out what I am up to. Little does he know that I am up to
nothing except savoring a lingering moment of my summer adventure.
The Awkward Pose 
Nice!
I love to catch the eye of someone looking serious or even down and flash a big, warm smile: it’s great to see how often their faces light up. I hope it gives their spirits a slight lift, and that at least a few of them “pay it forward”.
I love to smile at people and I usually get a positive response, even in Boston.