Throughout my life I’ve had encounters with strangers telling me I should smile, people who don’t know anything about me or what I may be going through physically, mentally, or emotionally. Trying to coax me into this action to make them feel more comfortable in the situation but without any regard to my own feelings. It’s frustrating, at times infuriating, and always exhausting. My smiles are mine to give when I feel safe and comfortable to do so.

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