Smiles from strangers... is something you're VERY used to is you grew up in a community of 1,500 people. When you walk through town and come across another person... even someone you don't know... they smile at you when you walk by... and you smile back. Its part of the small town charm.
In San Francisco and the Bay Area... its not quiet the same. The people here tend to be a little bit more reserved with giving out smiles to strangers. It was something that took me a long time to get used to when I first moved here. I even made a few mistakes of smiling nicely at homeless people... who immediately interpreted that as a sign that I wanted to give them money. (Ah, now I see why SFers don't just pass out smiles at random!).
So imagine my surprise when late last week... I found myself the receipt of several random stranger smiles. It was so nice, warm and pleasant... I admit, I was a little taken a back. After the third person smiled at me (on the same day, mind you)... it occurred to me that maybe they were smiling at the sight of my baby belly! A sight/topic that tends to make people happy... be reminded of miracles and innocence.
Maybe I give the belly too much credit... maybe I just had toilet paper stuck to my shoe!!
Well... whatever the reason was... its was a pleasant experience and surprise! Sometimes its the little things.
8 comments:
I totally understand what you mean. I grew up in small towns too, it's so different.
Sometimes when I'm out in the area I now live I get smiled at, it makes my day. The best part is a lot of mothers smile at me when it's dark and I have my reflectors on my coat, or when I'm on my bike wearing my helmet!
awwww - that was one of my favorite things about being pregnant. Enjoy it - 'cause once the baby comes they all smile at the baby and rarely notice youre even there ;) (but rightfully so!) hehe.
It's definitely one of the perks of pregnancy! You deserve all those smiles - you're doing some pretty awesome work right now.
I remember that very same thing...and actually it helped me smile at people more too! I was always a "what are YOU smiling at" kind of gal. Since being pg and having Ryan, I smile and talk to just about everyone! It's amazing the conversations I have with Ryan or about Ryan while out and about. Sooo liberating! :)
Those smiles from strangers (and sometimes random conversations and advice) are definitely one of the perks of being pregnant...though when it turned into the stranger touching my stomach, I used to feel a bit weirded out...though now I think I could be one of those weirdos because I just love the pregnant belly!
Can I just say, I love your blog because its fun that you're noticing all of this and sharing it.
alison reading your blog if you were here they would smile but ask you questions as well but as you know that is the way we are in ireland you look great as always & this time next year baby c will be watching santa best wishes cc
Aw I love the pregnancy smiles too!
The pregnancy smiles are the best! It's like a world of understanding all wrapped up in a small facial expression from someone else. Soon you'll be the experienced mom smiling at other pg women. Of course, then you'll know that behind the smile is the thought: "Aww...she's pregnant. Poor woman has no idea what she's getting into!"
JK! Well, maybe not totally kidding. But the smiles are nice!
Then you move to the stage where you're in line at a store with another woman with kids and you're exchanging the knowing smiles with each other.
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