https://open.spotify.com/episode/4CxhY1Ept7MKCR8xc48yhN

According to Merriam-Webster, a smile is defined as, “a facial expression in which the eyes brighten and the corners of the mouth curve slightly upward and which expresses especially amusement, pleasure, approval, or sometimes scorn.”

It’s a longer definition than one would expect for a simple action that we can do dozens of times throughout our busy day. Maybe we’ll make a slight smirk at the sight of a cute dog or put on a big grin when we take that first sip of our favorite caffeinated drink. Some people even smile when they hear “Mo Bamba.” We don’t acknowledge those people though.

Whatever the reason may be, humans love to smile and relish in the emotions that are associated with a genuine smile.

On a quest to cheer myself up on a personally gloomy day, I took to the streets of downtown Amherst to try and discover what brings joy to the people of Amherst. With the company of a voice recorder, I asked strangers one simple question: “What made you smile today?”

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