Chin up, sweetheart. It ain't that bad.

Dear Denmark,

I've recently heard reports that you're considered an unfriendly bunch because you rarely show outward emotion. Is this true?

Regardless, I think that people who think this way need to re-consider their point of view. In the Danish culture, and in many others as well, showing emotion is a sign of weakness. Coming from a Chinese background, I can attest to that. One must always have on a mask, a mask of confidence, a mask of bliss and perpetual joy. But I guess, growing up in Australia, things are different. We are not required to put on a mask. In fact, the mask is bad. "Take it off!" They say. Be honest and true to your own feelings.

Thus, people think that when one doesn't smile, they are not happy. But this is simply untrue.

Helen