When I saw this photo of President Obama and President-elect Trump shaking hands [click the link, it’s not public domain], this was my reaction:
They look like men shaking hands at a funeral. And I mean that in a good way.
It is possible to undertake an unpleasant task with both seriousness and good grace.
Here’s another photo that is public domain, from the same meeting. If President Obama can be cheerful, surely we can put off our gloom?
A more cheerful moment – as one also sees at funerals