Did you know that there are 19 different types of smiles?
Yes! But only 6 are expressed in good times. A smile is is a facial expression showing pleasure, favour or amusement. It’s interesting to note that some smiles include a contraction of muscles at the corner of the eyes.
This movement of facial muscles begins from childhood as early as a newborn. It could be a sign of passing gas which is referred to as “Reflexive smile” which can be caused by internal factors. Oh well! Now, I know why infants smile while they sleep. This reflexive smile dives or grows into the social smile. A social smile occurs when an infant is looking at and reacting to your expression usually happens anywhere from two- three months of age.
As we progress into adult life. Now the question is does your smile change? Yes! It does. Before the wear and tear begins or teeth nerves begins to lose sensitivity. It’s important we explore this expression as it is embedded with lots of benefits. Smiling reduces stress, smiling strengthens the immune system, smiling reduces pain and it reduces blood sugar.
Smiling makes you stay positive. Let’s have a quick test, think of something negative and flash a smile. Was it possible? It’s hard right? Smiling influences a happy welcoming mental and physical space. Trust me with a smile, you can’t go wrong.
Research has proven that those people who smile more are success driven and productive. A Smile is an electric energy that vibrates positivity and possibilities. It’s the right outfit for every confident person. Try putting up a smile, at the next social gathering and observe the attention.
At this point, I think we should explore six types of smiles
Table of Contents
Dampened smile
The dampened smile occurs when the cheeks will be raised but we pull the corners of the mouth downwards or press the lips together. It is an attempt to control an automatic, happy one and exists because some muscles, such as the ones controlling the mouth, are easier to suppress than others.
Dominance Smile
Dominance smile signal superior status and is used to negotiate and demonstrate social stratification.
Reward Smile
Reward smile communicates positive feelings and are expressed with a sense of satisfaction.
The Wistful Smile
Did you know that smile can be used to reassure others? Research showing the facial expressions of people who were undergoing painful procedures, found that they smiled more when loved ones were present than when they were alone. They concluded that people were using smiles to reassure others. This smile is called the wistful smile. It stays skillful of how the human emotion is able to relax some muscles while in physical pain.
Affiliative Smile
Affliative Smiles like this have been characterized as “affiliation” smiles because they function as cultural connection and trust. This smile occur the upward pull of the lips with the dimpling of the cheeks.
The Duchenne Smile
The Duchenne smile is my favorite! If you ask me. It’s just that irresistible smile that attracts and brightens up the space.
It is also known as the smile of genuine happiness. It’s the one that involves the mouth, the cheeks, and the eyes concurrently. It’s the one where your whole face seems to light up suddenly.
When next, you see a friend can you give a smile. it won’t be out of place to define the smile. Yes or Nah? Cheers to more smiling moments.
Let me know in the comment section, the smiles that resonates with you and which is your favorite.
1 comment
Enlightening.