This is one of the all time great methods of widespread Hate Loss™. The title is very self-explanatory; however, there are a few tips that will enhance the situation for all parties involved.
PREPARATION
Brush your teeth, wash your face and brush your teeth (again). Showing off the spinach salad that you ate during the last meal might have actually work against Hate Loss™. Look your best. This is by no means essential, but it is certainly effective. The better you look, the happier the stranger will be that you are smiling at them (human nature). Ignore your iPod. It is very difficult these days to go out in public without your tunes, but as you already know, it creates a barrier between you and strangers (which often is a benefit). Smiling at Strangers is all about encouraging human interaction in a positive manner.
ACTIVITY
This Hate Loss™ tip is most effective while walking around on a promenade-like environment; where there are ample opportunities for eye contact. It is important to note that this is NOT a perma-smile. That just makes people think that you are high. The key is having a normal expression on your face while seeking out eye contact with the people around you. When you make that eye contact, you give them a clear, but subtle smile of acknowledgment. Don’t be surprised if they are caught off guard. These random acts of kindness are rare. The exchange will most likely be brief, and might even be awkward. The stranger will probably get a slight hitch in their giddy-up after you show them your spinach-free teeth; but they will certainly remember the smile for a considerable amount of time following the encounter. This is where the Hate Loss™ comes in. If you smile at 10 strangers, you made 10 people feel like they are doing something right on this planet. The positive benefits of your random act of kindness are exponential. These strangers will most likely treat somebody else more kindly than usual and then the domino effect takes place. Think of the possible impact of you smiling at strangers (in a non-creepy).
Happy Smiling!
Hate Loss™ Reminder – On the road to hate loss it is vital to remember that smiling at strangers is 100% hate-proof.
Haha! I love it!
Agreed, just smile! =]