For this homework discussion , you are going to see the effect on other people that you encounter in your daily routine by a simple behavioral event. As you go through your day, each day for one week, try to look at people and smile, not necessarily a big toothy grin unless that is your norm, but at least a pleasant up-turn of the mouth. Some of us are used to doing this and some of us rarely look at anyone as we pass by. This may seem like a silly assignment, but let’s see what happens. I realize it is COVID time and masks are everywhere and you should continue to wear them according to what your state and CDC says. However. do this for family members and places that you do not wear a mask. Also how does it make you feel as you normally smile but have a mask  on and others may not be able to tell. I have literally told people from time to time – and students – that I am smiling!

You are to write up an informal 1 – 2 page paper, typed and double spaced. You should talk about the following things:

1.How hard was it for you to try to look at people’s faces and smile? Did it get easier as the week went by?

2.How did people that you already knew respond? Did they return the smile? Were they smiling first? Did they make any verbal responses?

3.How did those individuals that were strangers or almost strangers react? Did they return the smile usually? If not a smile, did you begin to recognize that their facial features at least softened? Did anyone say anything to you and if so what was their response? Again, whatever you can understand with the understanding of mask mandates. This is an important discussion anyway.

4.What have you learned, if anything, from this assignment?

Remember, these individuals might be at the 7-11 or the cleaners, or passers by at the mall. They may be co-workers that you pass in the hall, fellow students, teachers or strangers on the street.  Of course if you want to add a good morning or a slight wave from a car or whatever, feel free to, but do record it also.

When you finish your Week 2 Homework, post on this discussion what your experiences were.  Sometimes we feel a little silly doing this assignment,  but I have found that when it is done, there are some surprisingly positive experiences that come out of it, even for the most ardent doubter.  What was your experience?