Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Market St. near Castro, San Francisco, CA.

This guy’s smile was so open and welcoming that just looking at him made me feel like we must have been friends at some time. His was one of those smiles that required his entire face, including his eyes. In fact, I think it was his eyes that made him seem so accessible. Although, it only took me a moment to realize that I did not actually know this gentleman, it’s really quite amazing how little it takes to feel at ease with a perfect stranger. It’s even more interesting to consider how feeling a certain level of comfort with someone makes them feel like a friend, even when they’re not.

Ajuan Mance