Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question : What does business like mean when one interacts with non marhams of the other gender? Does it mean that one keeps a serious face ( and does not smile)? Is it improper if one’s disposition is to use (modest subtle) humour even in business-like interactions?
Where is the balance in this?
Answer : It is helpful in interaction with the opposite sex to distinguish between social courtesy and unnecessary socializing. The former, when there is need and benefit, is fine; it is the latter that is avoided.
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani