TwoCents | Smiling: The Free Gift That Keeps on Giving

Ever had a day so rough that you spent two hours in Lagos traffic, only to realize you left your charger at home? Then—bam!—someone (cute or not) smiles at you, and suddenly, life feels 10% less terrible.That’s the power of a well-timed smile. It’s like a magical superpower that requires zero effort and absolutely no superhero cape, glittery mask, or dramatic theme music.Imagine walking into a place—maybe a hotel lobby, an office, or even your favorite coffee shop—feeling like an adult who just realized they have to pay bills. You’re tired, you’re not sure if you’re awake or just sleepwalking through life, and the world is just too much. Then, BAM! You’re hit with a beaming smile from the front desk person or service representative. Suddenly, life doesn’t seem so unbearable. You smile back. The universe shifts. Birds start singing. Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the idea.It’s free, it’s contagious (in the good way, not the flu way), and it can instantly upgrade someone’s mood. Science probably backs this up, but let’s be honest—who needs studies when we’ve all experienced it firsthand?A smile is more than just an optional facial expression in customer service. It’s the front-row seat to making a good first impression. It tells people, Hey, I see you. I acknowledge your existence. I don’t secretly wish I were anywhere else but here. Even if you do.Of course, not all smiles are created equal. There’s the genuine, “I’m happy to see you!” smile, the polite “I acknowledge your presence” smile, and the desperate “Help, I’ve been standing for eight hours straight” smile. But even the last one is better than a frown.So, whether you’re in customer service or just navigating daily human interactions, consider the power of your smile. Throw one at a stranger. See if they throw one back. You never know who might need it—after all, we’re all just one bad day away from turning into someone who forgot payday is still a week away😒And if smiling at people feels too exhausting, just remember: it takes more muscles to frown. So technically, smiling is the lazier option. Win-win! So, when was the last time a simple smile turned your day around? Or better yet, whose day are you going to brighten today? Give it a try—you might just start a chain reaction of good vibes!

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