When was the last time you found yourself smiling at a complete stranger as you walked past them in the street? I use this technique for my own sanity along with the idea that I like to progress goodwill in the world by a smile. One step at a time! :-)
On the other hand, when was the last time you smiled and laughed in the hope that no one would actually require you to respond with words? I use this technique to overcome my frequent uncertainty to what people are actually saying. Dialects are not my strong point. Often I find myself in a situation when a simple response would suffice, except, I don't know what that response needs to be. So in comes the wide grin and a half snort of acknowledgment with a quick retreat to a place where I hope to recover my equilibrium.
I'm sure there are a number of people I've encountered over the years that have either been horribly offended or simply perplexed by this weird red-headed smiling woman. Overcoming my horror of embarrassing myself and others is one great challenge that I meet with a smile.
Mostly it goes a long way to generating goodwill.
