The family that sat in front of ours in church were well dressed. At least the girls had taken this opportunity to bring out the finery. One had a fairy dress, with sparkles on the shirred bodice and a tulle skirt. Her shoes were white, and her hair was in one braid and one ponytail. Clearly she felt special.  Her sister had on a bright blue outfit with sequins on the front and velveteen fabric. It was a complete pleasure to see. 

Whom do people dress for? Themselves, or others? 

The other day my twins went to a small art show. They looked especially nice for a hot summer's afternoon. I mentioned as much.

"It's only because all of our shorts are dirty," Hope laughed.

"Well, I bet that someone will mention how beautiful you look."

They enjoyed the event and a chance to see friends after a week of babysitting, cleaning jobs, office work, and cat sitting. On a single day they had six jobs between them. 

"You won the bet," was all she said. 

The woman behind the counter when I bought groceries the other day was absolutely chipper. She chatted about the cookies and lemon pie I had picked up for a celebration. I asked how long she had been on her feet that day. 

"I opened at five am!" her smile grew wider at a point when some people might have groaned. 

The persona we put on can be lovely as well. Whether or not the day went as planned, we can smile with our whole selves. It can, according to science, lead to an improvement in our own mood. It can also benefit the people around us.