The Slice: Face it, we’re happy on the inside

Some people have the wrong idea about Spokane.

They think we are not friendly here.

We are, of course. We really are.

But our facial expressions suggest otherwise. That’s because many of us have spent so much time projecting a “Not gonna pay that much” look a modified grimace has become Spokane’s default countenance.

Yes, our famous reluctance to part with a buck has manifested itself in a semi-permanent dyspeptic expression. It cruelly masks the good will in our hearts.

We are a gentle, loving people. But our default expression suggests to the uninitiated that Spokane is not a city with a song in its heart.

So, OK. A fair number of us tend to pinch pennies and avoid spendy purchases. Is that a crime? It is not.

But when you make that scrunched up “Not gonna pay that much” look over and over, it starts to leave a stamp on your face.

We have all seen it. It’s a look that resides at the intersection of disdain and constipation.

The classic version is an expression that would be at home on the face of someone experiencing acute gastric distress.

Often associated with wrinkled, male bargain hunters of a certain age, “Not gonna pay that much” face can also be found in Spokane’s fair female population. In fact, women here are known for their honest, frank looks.

Do they all seem huggy-friendly at first glance? Perhaps not.

But is it fair to judge what’s in a woman’s heart on the basis of something so superficial? Absolutely not.

So what if someone appears to be mad at the world? Would you rather have everyone around here acting like game show hosts or drunks?

But there’s a price to pay for being a city of people sporting “Not gonna pay that much” looks. After a while, it starts to mess with our civic self-image.

Instead of assuming the driver in the car next to us at a traffic light is thinking contented thoughts, we might be tempted to imagine he is contemplating mayhem.

That’s not fair to dear, inner-smiles Spokane.

Maybe the only thing to do is watch out for early warning signs of “Not gonna pay that much” face. When we see our youngsters projecting that look, we might want to quote the 1970s American balladeer, David Cassidy.

“C’mon, get happy.”

Today’s Slice question: Who will be the first president from the Northwest?

Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman. Do you pay attention to a product’s nation of origin?