Is there such a thing as a doctor who is too happy or too smiley? I have been told that one of my endearing features is my happy, smiling personality, and I try to keep this up in the workplace and my consulting room, even if I feel stressed. I have noticed mostly that patients tend to respond positively to a smile and a friendly greeting by mirroring this with a smile. I have however been caught out before when I have greeted someone in a really positive way with a big smile, and it then turns out that the reason they are visiting the doctor is quite a sad and difficult one, making my smile seem cruel and inappropriate. The appropriateness of a smile and a positive greeting ultimately depends on the context, and as long as the smile and greeting do not seem forced or over-the-top, then I…
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