Turn that frown upside down

A smile confuses an approaching frown. ~Author Unknown

I deal with people in my job all day long. This isn't because I work with a lot of people in a big office. I work with two people--one other assistant and the housekeeper. But because I'm a personal assistant, I'm running around the crazy town that is Los Angeles, and I run into people constantly (preferably not while driving...although that does happen sometimes!).

I have learned in my 5 1/2 LA years that a smile goes a long way. How is it that in one of the worst parking lots in LA (tiny shopping center, southwest corner of Wilshire/Highland) I can park wherever I want to? It's because I have smiled and waved at the parking attendant every day for 4 years as I pull in to check our mail at the PO Box. It's one hour parking. He doesn't care if I stay for 2 hours at Starbucks. Ha. I'm not saying I try to manipulate people--just saying that being friendly really goes a LONG way in a town where most people put up their guard, put their head down, and mow over anyone in their path to get to where they need to go that day (also happens sometimes while driving ;)).

At our accountant's office--same thing. There is a parking attendant who helps move the cars around as they park them 3 deep. Everyone has to give him their key as they go up to one of the 10 floors in the building. Not me. I get to take mine with me and park wherever I want to. Did I do anything special? Nope. I smiled. Lots of days. And one day, he said 'oh, hi--no, no, take your key. I know you."

I think that's just it. Smiling here sets people apart. There are probably many people that smile. But it surprises people to see it when there are also so many who don't.

So, for now, I will try to stay optimistic. And keep smiling. Because there is a lot of good and I've got two parking attendants on my side now because of it!