I had such an interesting thought today as I was driving around town this sunny Wednesday.
First let me mention that I have a convertible YELLOW VW bug. In and of itself... it looks like a big yellow smiley emoji. 🙂
Every time I go out in it, there are people that smile, wave, give me a thumbs up, hold up a peace sign, clap.... Any number of reactions that you wouldn't necessarily receive in most vehicles (my other transportation is a big dodge pickup... I have reference for this statement 😂).
What happened in my brain is this..... When people exchange smiles, is it sort of like a hug from a distance? I'm sure there is science behind how many times people smile/laugh a day and the direct correlation to the joy in their life. Is it similar to oxytocin or dopamine like a hug? Am I remembering this from biology class? Am I nuts?
Maybe its just that after we all experienced faces with masks for so long (because of the pandemic which shall not be named) and NOW we finally get to see faces again, it is just so much more fun to smile? To engage in a silent hello from a distance?
Am I imagining that a silly old beetle could actually be creating a chain reaction of unanticipated happiness?
I really am looking for everyone's opinion on the smile/hug part. Whether you agree or disagree isn't the point.... I'm sure we can weigh in with ideas and personal experience and maybe we can leave the attacks and judgement at the door. Hmmmmm maybe I'll throw in a poll because that's always interesting too..... So many thoughts in my mind! Happy Wednesday! 😊🙂😎 and before you ask.... No I do NOT always drive around with flowers in my "Daisy" My friend was needing to prep her porch! 