Not a typo. Not a metaphor. Not a Starbucks drink size. It is my go-to order for soul fuel.
Let us be honest. Most frontliners are not serving us because of the glamorous hours and a gold-plated paycheck. They are standing, lifting, moving, and juggling, all while trying to give us the royal treatment. That smile they flash? Sometimes it costs them more calories than the coffee they serve.
So I give back. Not with tips (this is Singapore). I give something from the heart. Eye contact. Attention. Playfulness.
Here is the trick. I spot the name tag. I use it. And when they ask, βAnything else, sir?β I drop the charm bomb: βYes. An extra one and a half smiles, please.β
Some laugh like you just told a dad joke with extra cheese. Some look puzzled, so I lean in, smile, and point to my face like a grinning emoji. Almost always, magic happens. Smiles appear. Almost always more than three. In Singapore, masks come down and wattage goes up.
Now, a gentle side note. If someone looks like they just got off an emotional rollercoaster with no seatbelt, I do not push. I do not want to make anyone feel like they are failing the Smile Olympics. Instead, I go softer. I ask, βDo you like my smile?β That usually cracks the surface. One silly question. One tiny spark. And the walls come down.
Today was golden. Rizka handed over our croissants with a glowing grin and a secret surprise. A hand-drawn smiley on the bag. She and her joy partner Zarith lit up the whole cafΓ©. We even took a photo. Not just a takeaway. A take-smile. This delightful exchange happened at Tiong Bahru Bakery in Cluny Court.
And here is the scientific cherry on top. That Duchenne smile, the real one that wrinkles your eyes and lifts your spirit, is a natural endorphin booster. It is a dose of health for both of us. Mood lifter. Stress reducer. Instant connection. Free and FDA-approved.
These little interactions are not little. When we truly see the people behind the counter, we help turn their work into something meaningful. From routine to ritual. From task to delight. From transaction to hospitality.
That is what Delivering Delight looks like. That is Contagious Positivity with whipped cream on top.
So consider trying it. Ask for “one and a half smiles”. You might walk away with your cup full and your heart overflowing with joy of making another meaningful human connection.
