The importance of being smiley

I’m probably the furthest thing from a grumpy fucker that you’re ever likely to meet, and if anyone tries to tell you otherwise, they’re lying.

That’s not to say there isn’t plenty to be grumpy about. I got three horsefly bites today, and my arm has swollen to the size of a balloon, yet you don’t hear me complaining about that now, do you? Have any of you ever tried typing a Hive post with a balloon for an arm? Before I moved to the bloody countryside, I didn't even know Ireland had biting insects.

Anyway, nobody likes a moaner, and I rather like being liked. There’s simply no advantage to having people dislike you. It certainly doesn’t get you more presents at Christmas.

Besides, I’m the world’s leading authority on compartmentalising, so very few people have ever seen me at my worst. As I’ve explained so many times that even @theworldaroundme's cat probably knows the story by heart, I had a difficult home life as a child. As a result, I learned to separate thoughts and feelings into neat little mental compartments as a way of managing stress and maintaining focus.

I've spent a lifetime perfecting the art of parking unpleasant thoughts until a more appropriate moment, usually when I'm on my own. As I see it, a problem shared is a problem doubled. So yes, I'm something of a closet grump, as it were. Around other people, I do my best to exude positivity and show my happy face.

Smile and the world smiles with you, and all that jazz.

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Posted in response to Galenkp's Weekend experiences asking ' ' Are you a grumpy fucker? ".

The images are mine