God but I hate perky!.... that attitude and happy demeanour that exudes enthusiasm, energy and joy no matter how grave the situation. Psychologists suggest that if we behave in a positive manner, those around us will return that behaviour in kind. Smiles foster smiles... concern begets concern... perky, unfortunately, ferments perky. In myself exposure to perky encourages murderous rage.
Individuals that indulge in this orgy of enthusiasm and energy seem to be display some glitches in their programming. Normal judgement seems to temporarily suspended when a 'perky' infestation occurs. This is most evident to me when I buy my morning cup of coffee. The prospect of dealing with a chattering, clear eyed, smiling, helpful, energetic, inquisitive cashier is depressing. It is only with the help of a competent therapist that I have learned to suppress my impulse to kill on those occasions. If normal judgement were present the clerk would acknowledge the peril they were in and leave every micron of 'perk' hidden away until I left.
Even on days when the anti-depressants have been effective, 'perkiness' arouses negative feelings within me. When perfect strangers smile and interact with this unnatural degree of enthusiasm I become suspicious immediately. My mind jumps to the question of 'what do they want?..what are they after?'. Too much of this in a short period of time, will sometimes trigger my paranoia and it may be weeks before I can convince myself that no one is 'out to get me'. In this sense 'perky' is a real threat to my mental and emotional health.
These harpies of happiness often set up situations that are at cross purposes with their intentions. Imagine the response of mourners when one of these happy harbingers finds something positive at the funeral of a loved one. Comments such as 'What a wonderful day for a funeral' often increase the chances of a second funeral happening the same day. Smiling, bouncing, squeaky energy can destroy the original purpose of a meditation class.
On rare occasions a positive result does arise however. I can remember my critically ill grandfather rising from what we thought was going to be his deathbed in an effort to choke the life out of one of my particularly perky cousins.
Perfunctory perkiness is most often observed in a work setting. Bosses sometimes engage in such behaviour in order to have employees meet their unreasonable demands. It is difficult enough to refuse a work demand of a regular boss but refusing one with an excess of enthusiasm and energy about a project is almost impossible. Workers as well use the behaviour. How could any employer harangue an employee for messing up when they entered the task with all that energy and enthusiasm?
To me it has become clear that 'perky' has more drawbacks that it is worth. None the less the number of individuals succumbing to its seductive, escapist power seem to be increasing. It has been suggested that this behaviour should be legislated out of existence. Those who are repeat offenders might be subjected to continuous electroshock therapy until they become as depressed as the 'normal' population. Failing to find government support to rid ourselves of this emotional blight it may be necessary to establish some 12 Step groups to help these perks recognize and overcome their character defect.
Whatever the final solution to this problem might be, it is essential that this misguided behaviour be redirected. Failing some type of decisive action there is a real possibility that violence may erupt.
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