I believe the smiley faces get overused to a certain extent. I use them generally as greetings and goodbyes. Sometimes I use them to express other things, but in that particular case I was just firing off thoughts. I was not thinking about smileys to soften the blow.

You are one of the smart ones out here. And generally speaking I enjoy, thought not always agree with, what you have to say. Yet you are still young. Be aware that when you are out in the world you will get your bumps and bruises. It's part of life.