By the book or bend the rules?

I encountered a scenario today as well as 2 days ago which left me thinking if it is better to just go by the book when doing things or trying to bend the rules whenever possible. I felt that although going by the book would mean that we would end up doing things the ideal and most foolproof way,bending the rules on the other hand would mean that in the process,someone will be able to benefit from it--in terms of happiness or any other thing that may result from going the unconventional way.For me,i guess i am a mixture of both.But i'd prefer to go with the bending of rules option.I see bending the rules as a way of making oneself as well as others happy. Rigidity will give people the impression that you are unapproachable and someone who would never compromise. Although bending the rules will leave us exposed to scrutiny,i believe that it is this same concept that will help make someone's day.