When I cross a stranger in the street, I smile. I often say hola or buenos días (hello or good day).
Sometimes I think “What’s the point?” Or “I must look like a grinning fool” offering pleasantries to people who seemingly don’t want to be bothered (based on their grumpy faces).
But I continue to do so - against popular advice from the manosphere and bro gurus to be more stoic - because I know one day that smile or warm greeting will lift someone out of a dark place.
Like it has done for me.