The easiest way to make friends

...is to leave the dressing room carrying stuff. In this case, the dressing room at Macy's carrying the sweater and leggings. Suddenly, I was swarmed by SA's who told me I was so cute with my dress on, and what a lovely sweater I was getting, and oh, was I ready to be rung up? I even got a restaurant recommendation while I was at it.

Not to be snarky about it. I just thought it kinda funny to see the heretofore desultory shopgirls spring into action at the sight of a woman with things in her hands.

We all play this game, I suppose. I have a few agreeable responses canned and ready to deploy at the first sign of it. "Yes, it will make a good layering piece." "I think so, too." And always gracious and good enough: "Thank you."