Why do we feel obliged to smile at each other at work?

By Leo
@d_e_v81 (360)
Singapore
November 26, 2009 6:11am CST
I was just wondering if anyone here has experienced this. I mean, lets face it, we all have that certain someone at work we'd rather avoid if possible. and yet if you happen to pass each other during lunch, do you force a smile? Some of my colleagues do smile but it kindda keeps me on the edge. Is there a reason behind their smile? Cos I know at my workplace at least, no one really gives a crap about anyone else and they are all kindda lookin out to save their own a$$. I dont have the friendliest of faces so sometimes I wonder...seriously....why do we feel obliged to smile at each other at work?
1 person likes this
4 responses
paleorainy
@paleorainy (630)
• Italy
26 Nov 09
Yeah...you're right and I agree 100% with you. In my work smiling is part of the job description. I hate it and I hate how false it is, still you have to smile to people you hate, and smiling isn't all, most of the times it's also fake jokes, laughing and small talk. Yes, my job is an assle.
Leo
@d_e_v81 (360)
• Singapore
26 Nov 09
Oh my...the fake jokes....dont get me started! I have this irritating senior colleague who thinks she is funny thanks to the fake laughs people keep givin her everytime she says smethin 'funny'. I am very bad at fakin it and have been told more then once by her "why? not funny is it?" some senior people in your company think they can get away with almost anything they want! frustrating. lol thanks for your response!
Leo
@d_e_v81 (360)
• Singapore
26 Nov 09
PS: I also notice ur from Italy...I am sooo coming there one day. Can we get by with English alone? Will the locals treat us ok if we talk in English or will they just give us a fake smile and treat us as aliens? lol
ravirai8616561
@ravirai8616561 (824)
• India
26 Nov 09
I feel that u fail to understand the indirtect way of communication and making ur self feel better at the workplace and also get ur self noticed in your firm in front of ur seniors and boss.
Leo
@d_e_v81 (360)
• Singapore
26 Nov 09
My feeling here is I hate to put up a fake front. And some people who smile at me...I mean...I do return the smile but it is kindda hard to when you know the person is not being genuine.
laglen
@laglen (19759)
• United States
26 Nov 09
politeness? manners? the desire to maybe make somebody else smile?
mkrishna22
@mkrishna22 (465)
• India
26 Nov 09
Well...all the more reason to give a good friendly smile to people around. in todays world of selfish, self centred environment...you always want to send out positive vibes to people around you. it will make people feel better and not to mention for yourself too. but, do not just smile for namesamke...give a genuine warm smile to people. it will relax you as well.