The 'Smile More' Saga: Why Front Desk Staff Don’t Owe You Sunshine
There are a lot of things you can expect from a front desk worker: a (hopefully) clean keycard, directions to the ice machine, maybe even a complimentary cookie if you catch them on a good day. What you shouldn’t expect? A command performance of beaming smiles on demand—especially if you’re the kind of guest who thinks “You’d be prettier if you smiled more” is a compliment.
Let’s set the scene: You’re checking in after a long trip, the fluorescent lights are buzzing, and the only thing standing between you and your room is a patient front desk worker juggling phones, keycards, and a steady stream of “Do you have any rooms with a jacuzzi?” inquiries. You get a polite welcome and a professional grin. And yet, somehow, you think to yourself: “You know what would really make this experience better? If I told this person how much better they’d look if they smiled more.” Yikes.
Let’s break down the true tale of u/FD_Hell, who recently shared their story on Reddit’s r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk, a treasure trove of hospitality horror stories and comedic gold. In this particular episode, our hero (armed with nothing but their customer service smile and a stack of keycards) finds themselves on the receiving end of one of the most infamous lines in customer service history: “You know, you’d be much prettier if you smiled more.”
Yes, he said it. In 2024. Out loud. To a complete stranger who is literally being paid to help him.
When “Smile More” Isn’t a Compliment
Let’s be clear: Telling someone to smile more isn’t a compliment. It’s a relic from a time when women were expected to be both decorative and deferential, especially in customer-facing roles. There’s something especially cringeworthy about delivering this line to a front desk worker who is already performing emotional labor—balancing politeness with efficiency, all while being observed, evaluated, and sometimes even berated.
Our Reddit storyteller even muses that the line would have been “less gross” if he’d just gone full Neanderthal and commented on her body instead. Why? Because at least then, the intent would be clear-cut rudeness, not this faux-friendly, patronizing “advice.”
The Emotional Labor Olympics
If you’ve ever worked in hospitality, you know the drill: The guest is always right, even when they’re spectacularly, excruciatingly wrong. Every day is a masterclass in swallowing your true feelings and producing the exact right smile, tone, and posture for each guest. It’s performance art, and the audience isn’t always appreciative.
Now, add in unsolicited feedback about your appearance—especially when disguised as “helpful advice”—and it can start to feel like you’re auditioning for America’s Next Top Model: Hospitality Edition. Spoiler alert: There are no prizes for Best Smile Under Pressure.
Why This Line Won’t Die
Why do people (let’s be honest, mostly men) still drop this line in the 21st century? Maybe it’s a misguided attempt at flirtation, or maybe it’s a power move—a way to remind someone of their place in the pecking order. Either way, it’s time to retire “You’d be prettier if you smiled more” to the dustbin of customer service history, right next to “Can I speak to your manager?” and “Do you come with the room?”
What Front Desk Workers Wish You Knew
Here’s the thing: Your front desk staff are professionals. They are there to make your stay pleasant, not to perform happiness for your personal enjoyment. A genuine smile? That’s a bonus, often reserved for guests who are, you know, genuinely nice.
Think of it this way: Would you tell your dentist, “You’d be a better dentist if you smiled more while filling my cavity”? Would you ask your mechanic to grin while fixing your brakes? No? Then maybe—just maybe—let’s leave the smile policing out of our hotel check-ins.
The Takeaway (With a Side of Sass)
To all the weary front desk warriors out there: We see you. We salute your customer service game faces, your patient nods, and your ability to keep smiling even when the last thing you want to do is smile. And to the “smile more” crowd: Next time, try saying “thank you” instead. Trust us, it’s a way better look.
What’s the weirdest thing a guest has ever said to you at work? Share your stories in the comments! Let’s give customer service workers the laughs—and the respect—they deserve.
Smiling is optional. Reading and sharing this post? Highly encouraged.
Original Reddit Post: You would be prettier if you smiled more.