As I smiled politely at the Dollar Store clerk like I do most mornings that I stop in there (for a soda and a snack for my kids or my coworkers), she looked at me and said, "Why are you always so pleasant? Perky people really piss me off.". What?!?! Since when did being polite and friendly become a bad thing? Why am I always so pleasant, you ask? Because I'm nice, dammit! Perky people piss you off? Well then, pessimistic people piss me off!
OK, I didn't actually get my panties in a wad. That was a nice release though. I feel better. What I actually did was just continue to politely smile and said something charming. Something about all of God's blessings and no real reason to not be pleasant. Even if I was a pessimistic or grouchy person; the lady ringing up my Dr Pepper and Snickers bar didn't do anything to me, so why wouldn't I be nice and pleasant? I just don't understand the ideal that everyone is supposed to be moping around and wallowing in the suckage that we call life.
Even in the darkest parts of my darkest days (and yes, I've had some dark days), there was always a glimmer of light somewhere. I had to look for it, and that's half the battle, but that sure is more fun to focus on than the darkness. Where has being bitter and grouchy ever gotten anyone? I can't fathom that it's a fulfilling life to lead. I can't imagine people enjoy being surrounded by others who are just constantly doom and gloom.
Don't get me wrong. Super enthusiastic, hyped-up on coffee, cheerleader for life type people can get under my skin too. I'm not gonna do a cartwheel in the middle of the store and declare how wonderfully happy I am today. I'm not going to spontaneously burst out into choreographed song and dance like they do in the movies. But I am going to smile, be pleasant and "perky" as often as possible. Why? Well, why not? It makes me happy. It reflects my attitude on life accurately. And it's a proven fact that a smile is contagious. So for those few people who are pissed off by my perkiness; I can guarantee there are many more people that are uplifted by it.
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