THE SMILE WE FORCE WHEN WE DON’T UNDERSTAND
In everyday conversations across Nepal—from bustling markets to quiet office halls—there’s a smile many of us know well: the polite, practiced smile that hides confusion. It’s the smile we put on when someone says something we don’t quite catch, or when a joke flies over our heads, or when a conversation veers into unfamiliar territory. We smile, nod, and keep pace, even though inside we’re scrambling to catch up. This forced smile is more than just a mask. It’s a daily act of social survival, a carefully calibrated performance that keeps interactions smooth and relationships intact. In cultures like ours, where maintaining harmony and face is vital, admitting ignorance or confusion openly can feel uncomfortable—sometimes even risky. We pretend not to notice how often we do it. How many times we smile through questions we don’t understand, instructions that aren’t clear, or jokes that rely on references lost on us. The smile says, I am present. I am engaged. I am part of this. It...