Filipinos are big on smiles. They smile when they praise; they smile when they criticize; they smile when they are embarrassed and have caused some minor offence; they smile when they need something from you; they smile when they are happy - and for any other reason too!
An awkward situation invites a smile because the air is charged with potential conflict and you are expected to smile back to refuse the situation and clear the air. A smile is a convenient reply when a person does not want to say something unpleasant. Rather than get some critical words you will get a silent smile.
Clearly there is much to read in a Filipino smile. With it, subtle mechanisms of social interaction are triggered. Verbal concern would only turn public attention to your predicament and cause you loss of face. One's dignity is always more important than physical calamity. There are various kinds of smiles and half-smiles, accompanied bye eye contact, to cover all occasions. No wonder especially foreigners get quickly the impression that Filipinos are very friendly and happy people! In fact, they are quite friendly and very patient!
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