Walked into a busy coffee shop and realized everyone was performing

Went to this trendy spot on Main Street last week and watched like 20 people walk in with these huge smiles that just dropped the second they sat down. Made me wonder how many of us are just running on autopilot with that fake happy face all day. Anyone else notice this at their local hangouts?

3 comments

3 Comments

miles_burns1mo ago

Man, that hits hard. I sat in a cafe last week and watched this one guy walk in all friendly and laughing with the barista, then the second he sat alone at his table his face just went totally blank. It was like watching a light switch turn off. I've definitely caught myself doing the same thing at the hardware store or the grocery store, just putting on that quick smile so the other person doesn't think I'm a jerk. Makes you wonder how many of those happy faces we see are just for show.

bennett.evan1mo ago

The trick is to start doing small stuff for yourself while you're out. Bring a book or put one earbud in before you even walk in. It sets the tone that you're there for you, not for them. Saves a lot of energy you'd waste on that fake smile routine.

emerym361mo ago

You know, that reminds me of my neighbor who used to say "have a blessed day" to everyone with this huge grin, but I caught him yelling at his own reflection in the car window one time. Makes you wonder if the whole world is just practicing their lines between scenes.