“We have a default setting,
an arrangement of muscles
that gives our mouth and eyes
a look.
Some have,
as a friend of mine says,
“resting bitchy face.”
People rely so much on reading faces
that even though you might not intend it,
people are making an assumption
about your mood
and your approachability.”
My default is
happy, a smiley face.
That’s perfect
for my career as a romance writer.
Romance readers want happy endings.
Romance writers sell
love and hope and optimism.
It wasn’t as perfect
for my stint
writing grim post apocalyptic fiction
or
my previous job mowing the lawn
at a cemetery
and
I’ve received many dirty looks
when I attend funerals
and other somber situations.
Why are our default looks important?
Because matching the tone of our businesses
to our default look
makes life much, MUCH easier.
Know your default look.
Find an industry
where that default look
is an asset.