Banks are banking that their ads will regain your trust

A few weeks ago, the manager at my bank disappeared, replaced by a perky young woman who has mastered the concept of customer service. When I sidle up to the counter to deposit a check, she knows my name and seems very concerned that I'm getting the banking service I need.

She may be too good, or perhaps I've grown to be too accustomed to being ignored and under-appreciated because I've found her cheerfulness almost disconcerting. In any case, I can't help but wonder if she is part of the trend that The New York Times wrote about Monday, in which they noted that banks' advertisements are turning warmer and cozier.