'Why are you so serious? Smile a bit.' Have you come across such comments by someone? It happens that a person is in a blissful state of mind, sitting quietly when someone feels that he is sad. This occurs because people have a misbelief that seriousness means sadness. It might be a case that a person is in his meditative mood - not talking to the outer world but interacting with oneself.
It is possible that sometimes you are not laughing – not showing the colour of your enamel - but still, you are in a happy mood. Right? Why is it required to show the lack of sadness by grinning? Isn't it a bit absurd if I have to wear a smile on my lips every time? People have different personalities. Some of them are reserved. They don't express everything to others. Making a judgement that such a person is in deep despair is utterly mistaken. Let’s not make such judgements.
It also happens in parties and crowds where people sitting and enjoying the atmosphere are misinterpreted as being non-participative. Some people may not be dancing, may not be singing along with the DJ, but it does not mean they are not enjoying their time. A few guests might just like to be part of the celebration, but not by acting, merely by watching. What is wrong with it? Why compel everyone to be off the sofas and join others to dance? Maybe they have never done it, and they might not even enjoy it. Not everyone expresses happiness by singing a sweet romantic song and making a graceful dance move. There is a big herd of people who have less expressive ways of enjoying their time. It is unfair to pressurise such people to try some steps on a song which they haven’t even heard in their lifetime. Better to let them relish the company and crowd, lest they may not turn up next time.
Happiness has different ways of expression. Some are loud and evident, while others are soundless and inaudible. Let the person decide how he is comfortable in being happy. Let's not make a conclusion that anyone who doesn't say 'I am happy' is necessarily 'unhappy'. Let's not put a burden on people to keep proving their cheerfulness. The absence of sadness should be considered enough in one's life to be considered contended and fortunate. So, next time, before you advise someone, `Smile a bit, why so serious?' remember that it might not be necessary. His happiness might be well present around him, just invisible to others.
