Emoticons: love 'em or hate 'em?

I'm a writer for a national publication working on a story about emoticons and how they continue to evolve as a part of everyday adult communication--even in sensitive areas like work and romance? I'd love to hear your anecdotes of a time an emoticon helped you win someone over, or a time when the use of one ended up being embarassing. The more amusing, and detailed, the better. I can furnish more details about my story and my publication when we speak. Thanks.