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Many people resent Barack Obama's bright smile and laughter when being interviewed about the economy. In a recent 60 Minutes interview, Steve Kroft quizzed Obama about his paradoxical demeanor.

Kroft: "You're sitting here. And you're-you are laughing. You are laughing about some of these problems. Are people going to look at this and say, "I mean, he's sitting here just making jokes about money-How do you deal with-I mean wh-explain your mood and your laughter."

President Obama: "Yeah, I mean there's got to be-"

Kroft: "Are you punch drunk?"

President Obama: "There's gotta be a little gallows humor to get you through the day-We've got a lot on our plate-And-a lot of difficult decisions that we're going to have to make."

~

Though the current economic crisis is no laughing matter, there's validity to the notion that smiling and humor help people cope with adversity. Mark Stibich, Ph.D., a behavior change expert with experience helping individuals make lasting lifestyle changes, says smiling strengthens health, decreases stress levels, and enhances attractiveness. President Obama's behavior, then, can be viewed as a role model for handling stress with grace: smile and laugh, as often as needed, to get you and your loved ones through difficult days.

You can give no greater gift to your guy than making him smile. There's an added benefit for you, too. If he smiles, you smile. "A smile is something you can't give away. It always comes back to you." ~Author Unknown

Following are ways to make your guy smile. Some are more playful than others. Try them, or let them inspire you to come up with a list of your own. Only you know your guy and what's likely to make him smile.

1. Let your guy know how much you believe in him, especially when times are hard. Guys often equate their value with their paycheck. Help him realize that his value is far greater than money. For inspiration, click here and watch the Sugarland/Jon Bon Jovi performance of "You Can (Make Me Believe)." This song is an anthem for couples grappling with difficult circumstances.

2. If you and he are in a roomful of people, but haven't seen each other for awhile, look for him. He's likely looking for you, too. When your eyes meet, you both will smile. He likes to know that he's always on your mind. "The shortest distance between 2 people is a smile." ~Author Unknown

3. Give him a year of birthdays. Let's say he's born on January 1st. On the 1st of every month, do something for him that lets him know you're thinking about him. You could buy him a favorite movie and put it in his chair, bake his favorite pie, give him a massage, or do anything you think will make him smile. The gifts don't have to cost anything, but they do require your creativity and thoughtfulness. It's amazing how giving him a year of birthdays keeps you positively focused on your guy. He'll smile over-and-over as he experiences your love in action. "A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles." ~Washington Irving

3. If he's going to stay up a bit later than you are, let him find you sleeping in the buff. You may not see the smile, but it'll be there! In the future, re-runs of "Seinfeld" won't be near as intoxicating. "A friendly look, a kindly smile, one good act, and life's worthwhile." Author Unknown

4. Enjoy what he does for you. Don't take his efforts for granted. Tell him how happy you are to have him in your life. He'll smile because he makes you happy. "Always remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your smile." ~Author Unknown

5. Plan a romantic meal on an ordinary evening. Get a babysitter, if necessary. Light candles. Play music. Make his favorite foods, or cook together. Give your guy your undivided attention. "Every time you smile at someone, it's an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." ~Mother Teresa

6. Be as kind to yourself as you are to him. Eat regularly, get enough sleep, and exercise. Find your passion in life and pursue it. That'll induce a smile from him. "Life is like a mirror; we get the best results when we smile at it." ~Author Unknown

7. Look your best when you 2 go out. Sit close, hold hands, and flirt with him. That will bring on a smile! "Of all the things you wear,

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