Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis for May 21, 2022

For once, Pig’s brain worked the way it should.

Brain added that always smiling is not energy efficient and lets gnats fly into your mouth.

Looks like Pig’s not ignorant enough to be blissful. Good for him.

You are a connected system. What one part does DOES affect what happens in other parts. “Think positive” sounds okay to most folks, but “act like you’re enjoying yourself” actually DOES (often) increase your enjoyment.

I let a smile be my umbrella and I nearly drowned!

I was told to “turn my frown upside down” so I stood on my head.

Lots of politicos smile while they have their hands in your pocket!

That ain’t a smile. That’s gargoyling.

If you can fake sincerity, you’ve got it made.

Your face might’ve stuck like that if you kept doing that.

Funny how I smile more as my memory capacity decreases.

Smile. It makes people wonder what you’ve been up to.

That actually does work.

You’re only fooling yourself PIG!

my Grandfather used to say, “you might as well be happy, ‘cause nobody gives a damn if you’re not”!

I have a feeling it was Rat’s brain telling Pig’s brain to cut off the nonsense.

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Hmm, I can think of several mood altering agents that can trick Pig’s brain into feeling happy. One you can get at dispensary if you live in the right state, others might require bending a few rules……

Wear a bracelet sporting “WWABD” (What would Aaron Beck do?)

Thank you for making me not just smile, but laugh!

Mine to.

Better living through chemistry.

Looking at Pig’s smile definitely tricks my brain >.<

Wait…does Pastis sign these?

There are commercials for pills that will tell your brain to be happy.

It would be REALLY SCARY, if Rat were smiling, for no apparent reason.

The William James paradox.

Don’t worry, be happy.

Had me fooled.

I’m surprised Rat didn’t say to cut off the nonsense first.

Your brain knows you better than you do, Pig. —Or something like that….

You are awesome Pig!