A smile goes a long way!

Hi there,

Today I conducted my own survey, how many people (strangers) will smile back at me when I smile at them?

This was really fun and I encourage you to do your own survey.

I started out on the phone (yes you can smile on the phone). I was trying to make sure my local bank branch had a notary available. When I asked my question I could tell the woman answering me was a little rushed and wasn't smiling, so I made sure I was. The whole tone of the conversation changed and within a moment or two I could sense her calm down and relax. Now, was she smiling - I'm not sure, but I know she wasn't feeling pushed by me.

My next contact was in person - I held the door open for an elderly woman and smiled at her as she went in, she smiled back. The young man inside the door saw my smile and smiled at me as he looked up and then graciously directed me to the notary! Yeah I found her and of course I greeted her with a big smile.

What I found was people want to smile if you give them a chance. When I went to my office supply store (Office Depot is where I like to shop) I spent some time wandering around with a smile planted on my face. One man stopped me and asked if I knew anything about paper brightness - so of course I helped him out. Now would he have stopped me if I walked toward him with a frown or a closed expression on my face, I doubt it.

The great side benefit of walking around with this smile was that I really felt happier, no grumps, no mutterings - I'm going to end my day feeling like it was a great day - all because of a little smile!

Try it, let me know how those around you react.

Cheers,
Coach Linda B