Dear Friends:
Recently, after a break up several months ago (which was FINALIZED two weeks prior), I decided to throw myself back into the dating world (please note that I am not jumping for Joy and waving my pom poms). After my last relationship went kaput I decided to give online dating a try. At the present time I have two dating profiles up on two dating sites. Needless to say there are just as many neurotic losers in cyberspace as there are in gay clubs! However, disregarding that important fact entirely (I’m a really postive guy. I know that Prince Valiant is out there), I’ve noticed a very disturbing trend…
Guys, what in the hell is up with NO ONE smiling in their pictures? Seriously, some of you look like escaped ex-cons posting multiple mug shots. Frankly, I’ve actually been scared to hit up several of the dudes due to this. I have to think, “All right, if I go out with this one will I end up on a milk carton? Or will He have me doin tricks on 110th street?” Most profiles I’ve viewed are either the obligatory GQ pose (You know the one…Face forward, pouty lips, and a slight frown…Like it really makes them look like a model. Boo, you just look constipated. Take a laxative); the blank stare (where they just look into the camera like a deer about to get creamed by a Mack truck); and the aforementioned prison photo, a vain attempt at invoking the ambiance of homothug chic (uhm, like gag me with a spiked fence post why don’t you). Literally, it is difficult to find anyone that smiles in their picture anymore! What up with dat yo? Isn’t dating about putting your best foot forward brothas? Or are all of you wearing dentures or got grilles loaded with cubic zirconia? What’s REALLY goin on fellas?
In my estimation a bright smile is the most beautiful feature that ANY person, regardless of race, creed, or color, has to offer! It is the universal aesthetic. The appeal, for me, is that smiling makes a person their authentic self. There is no gloss or pretense, you’re just allowing it ALL to hang out. You allow yourself to be vulnerable and let others into your world with a smile. So what if the lighting isn’t correct, or you don’t look like a pouty coverboy…When you smile there is just an innate beauty that transcends the picture altogether.
I can see, what I may percieve as, the most unattractive person coming down the street and pay them no attention. But when they smile at me there is an instantaneous rapport between us. We don’t have to say a word but that single gesture of kindness is enough to put some pep in my step for the duration of the day. Sometimes, even when I’m not feeling so hot I’ll smile. In a way I kind of psyche my body out into believing I’m happy when I’m really not. Then, low and behold, I usually find something to laugh about during that day.
Me, when I take my pictures I just have a CHEESIN good time. I take my pictures because I know I’ll only be young once. So I might as well do it big, feel me? I got a big ass mouth so I’m gonna show off my white teeth before I wind up with crusty ass dentures at the age of 70 (lol). I love to smile, even in everyday life. It is good for the facial muscles (helps reduce wrinkles), and even better for the soul! When I’m out and about, in any public place, I am astonished by the reactions I get when I crack a smile at someone. Yes, there are some poor souls that actually sneer when you smile at them (but they are far and few between). However, overwhelmingly, I am usually handsomely rewarded with a smile in return (even a conversation sometimes).
Granted, I am partial to a dashing bloke that has a nice set of pearly whites. Chile, when a cute guy smiles at me I just melt like an ice cream cone in Hell’s kitchen. But, eye candy aside, There is just something so magical and prolific about a big pretty smile. The old cliche’ is true, “When you smile the world smiles with you…” People just love to have good energy sent in their direction. Even if you don’t notice anyone noticing you smile they are looking, trust me.
So, to any potential suitors, please flash a big CHEESY one for me! That gets my juices going more so than any naked ass shot! And friends, let me reiterate, it really is okay to smile. Do yourself a favor and try it out. This sad world could use A LOT more of them. And there is somebody, somewhere, watching you and saying to themselves, “Damn he (or she) got some pretty teefs!” LOL.
Cheers!
Love you much…
Sincerely,
Toddy English.
