This sounds rather vain and I hate it, but when I was younger I was fairly attractive. Flashing a quick smile - the genuine kind, with your eyes, like you do when you’re happy to see someone - to women especially, but even men, would do wonders when I needed help.

Like in a crowded coffee shop - catch the busy waiter’s eye and smile, there was a huge likelihood my table would suddenly come next.

Of course being nice helps, people want to have pleasant interactions, but being attractive adds to that and gets you noted quicker.