I admit it.
I’m not a true suit. (Despite my love of pantsuits!)
You know why?
Because I smile a lot during emails. I didn’t used to.
A year ago, when I started working as a copywriter, I was very proper.
There was no :’(
No :)
And definitely not any of this !@$%$#^%$J&
But I’ve strayed, ladies and gentlemen. I have.
Given my tendency to use smiling as a weapon to disarm as many of my co-workers as possible, I have begun using it in my business emails. And people use it back. I’ve single-handedly managed to corrupt business etiquette among my favorite clients.
Strunk Jr. is probably turning over in his grave right now.
I don’t care.
This lady says:
What is wrong with using clear, concise words?
Rather than emoticons, these are my choices to express a range of sentiments:
- I am glad.
- I am happy.
- I’m excited.
- I’m so pleased.
- I am proud.
- Terrific news!
- Brilliant idea!
Doesn’t work for me. There’s only so many times I can use corporate-bland-speak.
So until someone expressly tells me not too, I will continue to smile.
Whoo boy, this is going to end badly, I just know it.
