I was at the cleaner’s the other day to drop and collect and it was clear that the woman serving was very stressed.  Her customer skills were dreadful which to someone with a service industry background can have a “red rag to a bull” effect.  However, I noticed my initial reaction and instead I took the deep breath that she probably needed to take and just smiled.  Later on when I went back to collect she was much calmer and even wished me a nice afternoon as I left.  Probably by then she was less hassled but maybe the smile instead of a grumpy response had helped a little.  Even if it didn’t, I felt better!  Here is a lovely reinforcement……

A smile costs nothing
but gives much.
It enriches those who receive,
without making poorer those who give.
It takes just a moment,
but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.
None is so rich or mighty that he can
get along without it,
and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.

  A smile creates happiness in the home,
fosters goodwill in business,
and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary,
cheer to the discouraged,
sunshine to the sad,
and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble

   Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen,
for it is something that is of no value to anyone-
until it is given away.

   Some people are too tired to give you a smile.
Give them one of yours,
as none needs a smile
as much as those who have no more to give.