In his 1985 book Telling Lies, psychologist Daniel Ekman described 17 types of smiles. In an attempt to soften bad news, this smile begins with a raised lower lip, sometimes accompanied by a head tilt. It is one of the most irritating smiles because it traps the recipient into smiling back. This study has implications for marketing, sales, and personal branding. But it is important to remember that the smirk is more than just a cosmetic touch.
One study of baseball players from 1952 showed that those who smiled the most lived longer than those who didn’t. There is a great deal of research on this topic, but it is unclear which factors explain why smiling is more important for women. Other studies, however, suggest that smiling may be beneficial for both sexes. The underlying factors, according to LaFrance, are gender, age, and education. Ultimately, these three variables determine how much a person smiles.
Although genuine smiling has always been associated with happiness, it has been frowned upon by society. In the 17th century, wearing one’s emotions was considered a sign of poverty. The rich and famous, however, were more likely to smile when they were happy, and vice versa. Even today, smiling is associated with a softer, more relaxed mood. It has also been scientifically proven that smiles are contagious. People often mimic others’ facial expressions when they are happy and contented.
In a recent study of people pleading for a missing loved one, researchers found that those who were caught guilty of the crime were more likely to show emotion through smiling. People who are genuinely grieving did not trigger the muscle that causes a smile. Instead, the deceivers repeatedly fired the zygomaticus major, which pulls the lips into a wide smile. In contrast, people who are merely expressing politeness and goodwill often use smiling to make others feel comfortable.
Smile is a touching and meaningful graphic novel about a girl’s inner struggles. It reveals the subtle ways middle-school girls can undermine one another. In the end, Raina learns to reject friends who make her feel bad. It is a moving story about a teenager finding acceptance for herself. There are few books out there that offer such a positive, empowering view of the human experience. It is well worth reading if you are a teen who’s struggling with the same problems as hers.
The power of a smile has numerous benefits. One of them is its ability to signal altruism. This may be why a great smile can make people seem irresistible. The Duchenne smile is an excellent example of this, as it announced cooperation. In social settings, the ability to identify genuine smiles could be very useful in determining social exclusion. A study led by the British behavioral scientist Marc Mehu found that people who shared money with a friend exhibited more “Duchenne” smiles than those who had been primed for social exclusion.
A smile’s positive effect on the human mind may be a direct effect of the happiness of the user. Researchers have found that smiling can reduce blood pressure. A smile increases happiness, which is associated with a longer life. Studies show that smiling can extend one’s lifespan by as much as seven years. The power of a smile may be the key to a healthy life! So, the next time you’re facing a stressful situation, remember to smile and let the good feelings pour out.