What's your reaction when a stranger smiles at you?

[allstarsdude]

Please answer the question for both the following scenarios:

1) A stranger you saw for the first time smiles at you.

2) A stranger whom you see frequently (e. g. gym, bus stop etc.) smiles at you for the first time.

For some reason, I find that a lot of people tend to be dismissive of random smiles where I'm at. Maybe it's because of all the phony marketers and salesmen who ruin the meaning of a smile.

[EyeSeaYew]

My first reaction is always to smile.
I definitely think it depends on the area you live in, though. In my hometown everyone in general was rougher and guarded and you certainly didn't see many smiley faces. Where I live now though everyone in general is much more cheerful and cordial, and everybody smiles at one another. People often even start random conversations with you, from cashiers to someone you accidentally bump on the street.

[linkywinky]

I typically grimace at them before I remember how to smile. My first reaction is to scowl at people and THAT says a lot about me at this junction in my life.

[allstarsdude]

Once, I was in a really good mood and didn't even see who was around the corner. Subconsciously I smiled and said hey to the first person that went past me (was a chick). She responds with the look you described and goes "why did you smile for?"

[Account]

I probably won't even notice.
But if I did... it would depend on my snap judgment & mood.

[YourFutureEx]

Facepalm for a second and then I'll smile back. They'll not be strangers anymore at the end of the day. (In both cases). I'll check my face too after returning to home.

[luvme56]

In the first case i would smile back... and in the second i would go and talk to him/her!

[luvme56]

thanks for mh...

[allstarsdude]

you're the only one who said they'd talk to them

[luvme56]

ya... becz if people smile frequently.. it actually is kinda rude for me to not to talk to them!

[James0]

I always smile back and sometimes we have a small staring contest. I say hi my name is James. I meet a lot of people through this way. Even made some aquitances on the train

[Applefan1]

I always smile back, it is natural to smile back and it is rude to just ignore someone who give you a smile.

[RCuber]

1) smile back. Maybe throw in a small nod of the head.
2) same as #1

[kangy]

1) A stranger you saw for the first time smiles at you.
look back with a blank face or give a shy smile

2) A stranger whom you see frequently (e. g. gym, bus stop etc.) smiles at you for the first time.
i would smile back

[derpaderp]

Tbh it'd really depend what he or she looks like as shallow as that sounds. If it was like some creepy looking old guy is get nervous. If it was a hot young guy I'd maybe get flustered haha.

The brain sterotypes by itself like it or not. If it was a woman I probably would smile back but not pay attention either way

[allstarsdude]

So.. to you, a smile is basically:
- a reflection of your interest in a guy
- a polite exchange with a woman

[derpaderp]

Pretty much. You can all thumbs me down for being honest but it's true. I'd rather get creeped out by a non creepy guy and be wrong and have ZERO consequences then be right and end up his basement slave.

I think you have to be a woman to understand..

[allstarsdude]

Fair call, and I appreciate your honesty. Everyone has their reasons for why they act the way they do, and this thread is essentially to gain an insight into different people's psychology as opposed to criticising.
Can I ask though, does your gut instinct tell you that hot guys are safe?
e. g. would you smile back at this guy from my country:
i.dailymail.co.uk/.../...7400000578-41_634x631.jpg

[allstarsdude]

Now that you've had a chance to check out his pic, you can read up on him here and test jugements :)
www.dailymail.co.uk/.../...st-Warriena-Wright.html

[derpaderp]

My gut does NOT telll me hot guys aren't a threat. Esp in my area. A lot of rapists are cute young college guys. But I will say that I'm more receptive to a good looking guy.. why? Because if a creepy looking guy is smiling he knows he's not gonna get anywhere with me so I have to wonder why. If s nicer looking guy is he might just want my number. But I'm not gonna wonder off with a strange man regardless, even if I'm interested.

It's just the way I was raised I can't help it

[Gangstarlicious]

if it was a girl that would be a green light to go go go but if its a guy im getting the hell out of there.

[pyramid_princess]

I always smile back, it just seems to be an automatic reaction for me to do that.

[DontDropIt]

1& 2: I'd smile back and sometimes I'll say "hey how are you"

[Lyndsielee666]

Depending who the person is. I smile back or i don't😂

[Gangstarlicious]

lol that depends on whether he's hot or not ay?

[Lyndsielee666]

Nah i have a boyfriend so that aapect doesn't matter. If he's a creep I'm not gonna smile back, thats how you get followed.
jfs

[Illusive_Man]

Smile and say

"Ya alright?"
usually I don't get a reply lol

[atari]

Lost tine someone did that he smiled at a other person not me :/ it was awkward but if it was one on one well I will smile :D

[Klaatu51]

i smile back in both cases... then she will run away once she'll see my GREEN teeth MWAHAHAHAHHHA

[XNicholeMariex3]

Damn you must eat a hell of a lot of spinach and broccoli.

[allstarsdude]

Get yourself white vampire fangs if it helps.
Lol Nichole

[XNicholeMariex3]

1) Smile back
2) Smile back.

[kain7th]

What if he smiled like this? c1.staticflickr.com/1/21/26717755_e283b4885d.jpg :o

[XNicholeMariex3]

Oh my god I'd laugh and probably give him the same smile back!!! hahahaha

[allstarsdude]

LOL. That's more of a grimace than a smile

[XNicholeMariex3]

Hahahahahaa

[allstarsdude]

Nichole would grimace back twice as hard =P

[XNicholeMariex3]

Yup! hahaha I seriously would.

[PinkFreud]

1. Disgust
2. Fear
3. Confusion

[Lady7]

I'd smile back. I smile to almost everyone.

[Sexualchrist]

I usually frown and ask if they've got a problem.