I believe in smiles. I especially believe in a Rosie smile; everything I learned about smiling I learned from my dog Rosie. Rosie is a cockapoo and is very expressive. She uses the only tools she has available to convey the messages and emotions behind her smiles; mouth, eyes, tail. Her many smile styles have taught me much.
Rosie has perfected the contentment smile. When she is content just simply being a dog in the world, she flips herself onto her back and wiggles around, lets out a sigh, and smiles from ear to ear. There is no effort in this smile; it comes naturally and always in this order. I have begun practicing the contentment smile as well. When I wake up to every new day, I stretch and let out a big sigh. Then, I plaster on the contentment smile just happy and content to be a person in this world. Thank you for your contentment smile Rosie.
Rosie’s excited smile is the cutest. Mouth slightly open, breathing rhythmically increased, tail wagging, teeth shining, and eyes sparkling. Usually the words, “cookie” or “car ride” elicit this particular smile. She uses this smile to show appreciation for whatever gift she is receiving. My own trigger for this smile is “you just won the lottery” or “pick out any new Coach purse you want sweetie…on me!” Thank you for your excited smile Rosie.
The politeness smile appears on Rosie’s face when she is disinterested in something. She uses this particular smile to convey that she’s tolerant of a particular situation but that she’d rather not participate. She twitches her upper lip and keeps her shiny teeth displayed ever so slightly. The politeness smile comes in quite handy for me. For instance, if I am at a party and politely listening to a seemingly never-ending conversation, I will adorn the politeness smile and quietly thank Rosie for it in my mind. Thank you for your politeness smile Rosie.
Rosie is adopted and like me, she was physically abused early in her life and we were both distrustful of others. She smiles at me on the first day we met, and it was a warning smile. “Maybe I’ll give you some time but I warn you that when I let you in, I’m going to be the best friend you’ve ever had” was the message in her smile. I smiled back my simple human smile and obliged her wishes by silently conveying, “Trust me when you feel you can and I promise to love you forever.” With my simple human smile I convinced her that her world and mine were no longer falling apart. Smiles; they can shatter ice. Thank you for teaching me your smiles Rosie.