I have read that in Russia, randomly smiling at strangers is often viewed as a sign of mental illness, or inferior intellect; but in the U.S. it is often seen as a sign of being friendly, or trusting.
- Do you think Americans smile too much?
- Do you ever feel stupid for having smiled at a stranger who did not smile back?
- I had an algebra teacher, Mr. Stephens, who told us we laughed too much in class – and that laughter was a sign of stupidity and it would be better if we just smiled. He was a very good algebra teacher, however.
