One time for work I was sent to give a presentation and they put me up in a really pricey hotel. The people at the front desk were so smiley and cheerful like seeing me was the best moment of their lives. It totally freaked me out. Then I realized: this must be how it is for rich people, with folks always smiling at them like they’re awesome. I wanted to say: you don’t have to be that way with me, look at me, my luggage is held together with duct tape and I still look like a grad student. But I didn’t say anything bc it probably just would have made things even more awkward.

You don’t have to fake a customer service smile to be friendly.

Have you ever met a shitty person?

I think it’s a cultural thing. Here where I live it’s pretty mellow no one really cares or smiles, but I went on a trip to Brazil and everyone was super chill and happy, like every little shop you go to and everyone is super helpful and happy. Even walking down the street some car put up some loud music and people came from all around to start dancing and following the car around the block lol

Ya y’all ignoring the smile part specifically here for a sec -

This is a phenomenal lifehack (assuming privileges align to make it feasible for you, but nothing to worry about if not)

Retail work is a lot of emotional labor. At the end of the day, wearing the mask can be too much. I consider myself a very happy and welcoming person, and even I would do this after retail shifts

You should try being nicer to people. Toxic positivity is mean.