General News
14 June, 2026
Smiles with Sally: Smiling strong
In this edition of Smiles with Sally, we all know someone who is always smiling, helping and holding others together — but how often do we stop and ask how they are going?
I think we all know someone like this.
They’re almost always smiling, always happy to help and somehow seem to know exactly what to say when someone is having a tough day.
They’re the people you can ring when life feels messy, the ones who make you feel safe, accepted and calmer just by being around them.
You know the type.
The friend who checks in, the workmate who notices when someone is struggling or the person who makes everyone feel welcome the moment they walk into a room, but I wonder how often we stop and check in on them.
Because they seem to “have it together,” it’s easy to assume they’re always okay.
After all, they’re usually the smiling ones, the capable ones and the people everyone else leans on, yet sometimes the people who spend so much time supporting others could use a little kindness themselves.
It’s not because anything is terribly wrong, but because even the strongest and kindest people can get tired too.
I recently heard someone say they are always the person others turn to, yet very few people ever ask how they are going.
It wasn’t said with sadness, but more as a quiet observation.
It made me think about how often we notice what people give to others without always noticing the person behind it.
These people shape our communities in ways they may never fully realise.
They help others feel welcome, included and safe.
A smile from them can ease nerves, brighten a hard day or help someone feel like they belong.
Often they are the quiet ones, subtlety holding groups together.
They remember the little things, make space for others and help people feel comfortable without asking for anything in return.
Their kindness can seem effortless from the outside, yet like anyone else, they still need encouragement, support and care too.
Sometimes the people who hand out the most smiles need one reflected back their way too.
So this week, think about the people in your life who are always there for others.
Send them a message, ask how they’re going or thank them for the way they show up for people.
You may find the smile on both your and their face extends a little wider.