Smile, all you four-eyes and brace-faces out there!

I picked out some photos from a visit to a friend and e-mailed them to her, but it turned out she didn't like the picture of herself, even though it was my favourite. I thought it was great, she looked very happy and carefree! So I had to ask her why she didn't like it - and her answer surprised me: she thought she smiled too widely and it showed too much of her teeth, and from what I understand it reminded her too much of the painful time she had when wearing braces as a kid.

I chose to wear glasses and got braces as an adult: it was my own decision, which makes me forget how difficult it is for children who has to wear glasses and braces as very young. Even though parents take these decisions thinking only of what will be best for their children, it is easy to forget how cruel children can be to anyone who deviates even the slightest from the "norm"! You hear stories of kids being called "four-eyes" or "brace-face" or worse...

But all of you who suffered as kids but now has left the braces behind, or wear contacts or glasses of your own choosing now when your an adult - remember to leave the childhood pains behind and to enjoy your pretty smiles, your good vision, and opportunity to show off with smart-looking eyewear! You paid a price, but please remember to enjoy the profits!

May your smiles today be as toothy and big as possible!

May you find nifty, bold frames for your eye-glasses that fearlessly compliment your features and display your face to the world!

And if you do wear contacts, celebrate their convenience!

Bury the past, and embrace the future.

/Kris C