Let a Smile be your Warning

I’ve noticed an odd occurrence this week.  People tend to avoid you if you smile on the subway.

Generally, when I look as dour as everyone else on the train someone will sit next to me within one or two stops.  It’s a busy train and that’s just the way it goes.  But not this week.

I’ve been having a fairly good week.  Nothing major, just a feeling good, life is cool sort of week.  So while listing to some good music on the subway on my way to work I had a small, content smile on my face.  I promise, it wasn’t one of those maniacal, wide-eyed smiles that really warn you off.  Nevertheless, my warm little smile seemed to have the same affect.

I sat in my seat with a free seat next to me on my entire ride.  This never happens.  Other seats were filled, people were even standing in the aisles, but none would take the free seat next to me.  Yes, I had showered, no offensive cologne, was wearing business clothes, and minding my own business, but no one would take the seat.

I thought, wow, this is great.  I have all this elbow room for my whole ride.  This too kept me smiling for the duration of my ride.  So the only thing that I could figure is that people just don’t trust a guy who’s smiling for no apparent reason.