If you work in an office crammed with cubicles and drowning in white noise, then you are more than likely the recipient of an “office smile.”
If you do not spend 8 hours a day surrounded by muted colors and people who leave their loud cellphones on their desk when away at lunch, you can experience the sacred ritual that is the “office smile” by reading these tidy instructions.
Step 1. Get up from your desk and walk somewhere else. Do not worry, as your desk will still exist when you eventually return.
Step 2. Make eye contact with another employee who you have seen around the office before, but do not know.
Step 3. Quick, look away! Too much eye contact can lead to an awkward conversation.
Step 4. Okay, you’re closer now. Go ahead and establish eye contact once more. Five feet is a good distance to go by as an estimate.
Step 4. Smile at your coworker, but adjust your smile as such. Push the corners of your mouth as far apart as possible. Pretend they are two negatively charged ions and they can not wait to get far away from each other. Keeping your lips closed is also an option.
Step 5. Drop the “smile” as soon as you have passed your fellow cube farmer. Your obligation has been fulfilled.
If it easier for you to remember, you can think of this as the “work grimace.” You will look like you are in pain while doing this, as if you fear being hurt more.
Remember to go back to your desk when this is all complete. You will probably be tired out by pretending to be friendly to people you have no formal connection to. You’ve done a very good job.
I agree. This is true.