Londoners - This could be your once in a lifetime chance so don't miss it. Join us in Safe2smile Zones on Sunday, September 23, 2012, and engage in low-risk "smiling at  people you don't actually know" as you pass by. It shouldn't be too scary as you will have a good support group around you. It will only last a few seconds at a time - then you can return to usual no-eye contact mode.  For latest updates follow http://www.facebook.com/events/488713007805637/

Health warning - smiling could prove addictive.

Note to non-Londoners, and recent arrivals to London and people who just visited London briefly and found it reasonably friendly to visitors. Don't read further unless you have a Londoner at hand to explain - it's unlikely to make sense otherwise.

How it will work

Safe2smile zones will be clearly marked on the pavement (if you come early you can help us mark them up http://www.facebook.com/events/488713007805637/ )

How to use a safe2smile zone

  • Approach the safe smiling zone as you would approach any other piece of pavement.
  • Enter the safe smiling zone while continuing to walk at your normal speed and in your normal manner.
  • Raise your eyes.
Now for the first tricky bit.
  • If you see someone walking towards you through the safe2smile zone keep your eyes raised.
  • Do not avoid eye contact. (Don't panic - all will return to normal on leaving the safe2smile zone.)

Now for the second tricky bit

  • After eye contact is achieved - maintain it.
  • Prepare yourself to break the cultural taboo.
  • Smile at the approaching stranger.

Warning

  • You are in unfamiliar territory - something out-of-the-ordinary could happen, especially if you cross a number of safe2smile zones.
  • You may find yourself moved to some kind of vocalisation - a muttered greeting like "G'morning"or "Hi".
  • You might alter your posture is some marginal way - a slight nod of the head, or a hand inadvertently slightly raised and opened in a gesture of greeting.
  • You could find a new spring in your step.
  • Be aware that such extreme behaviour by you could startle an unwary approaching stranger.
  • Be aware of the possibility that some stranger approaching you may break into such extreme behaviour while crossing a safe2smile zone.
  • Please prepare yourself psychologically for possibility of culture shock.

Reminders while crossing a safe2smile zone

  • Remember this is a safe to smile zone.
  • It is not for loitering - please maintain a normal walking pace in and of of the zone (it may take around 10-15 seconds to traverse a typical zone)
  • It s is not a conversation area - if by any chance you feel the possibility of genuinely exchanging a word or two please do so well away from the safe2smile zone or you may frighten other people away from the zone.
  • On exiting the safe2smile zone return to normality - as you understand it.

Invite your friends - or come along and make some new ones

Check for updates on http://www.facebook.com/events/488713007805637/

Thanks to Andy of FocalLocal www.focallocal.org for changing this from an idea to an event.

When I've shared this idea in the past some have smiled, some have chuckled, some have laughed out loud. Most have agreed it should be done. But Andy of FocalLocal  said  "We'll do that - how about a couple of weeks time?" - and we agreed the 23rd September. Thanks Andy - I'm smiling already.