Above you see a photo taken at the commemoration of the 60th birthday of the King of Sweden, Karl Gustav. From left to right, we recognize the President of Iceland, Olafur Ragnar, standing, and his spouse, seated, the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, King Harald of Norway and Queen Sonja, King Karl Gustav and Queen Sylvia, Prince Henrik of Denmark (without his spouse) and, seated, Queen Beatrix of Holland, the President of Finland Mrs. Tarja Halonen and her husband standing behind her, the Sovereign Prince of Liechtenstein Hans Adam, King Albert of Belgium and Queen Paola.

If you pay attention to this quite prestigious ensemble, all of them are smiling, but with discreet smiles. They offer a model of distinction and appropriateness with their smiles. Indeed, appropriateness: They are commemorating a joyful event, but in these bad times of a general crisis in which we live.

We Americans are still accustomed to the increasingly outmoded optimistic 20-teeth-smile that was common to see after World War II, as shown below. Let us be convinced that the time for that smile is over. Unless you work for a toothpaste company and need to demonstrate the efficiency of its product or you win the lottery, use a more reserved and dignified smile.

Do smile discreetly in public.

Elaine M. Jordan

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