What's in a SMILE?

Smile

en.wikipedia.org...

A smile is a facial expression formed by flexing the muscles near both ends of the mouth and by flexing muscles throughout the mouth.[1] Some smiles include contraction of the muscles at the corner of the eyes (see 'Duchenne Smiling' below). Among humans, it is an expression denoting pleasure, sociability, happiness, or amusement, but can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, in which case it is known as a grimace. Smiling is something that is understood by everyone despite culture, race, or religion; it is internationally known. Cross-cultural studies have shown that smiling is a means of communication throughout the world.[2] But there are large differences between different cultures. A smile can also be spontaneous or artificial.

For some reason, I always feel better when I smile...no matter what the situation...a smile seems to help. The psychology is examined below:

Duchenne smiling...

Although many different types of smiles have been identified and studied, researchers (e.g. Freitas-Magalhães) have devoted particular attention to an anatomical distinction first recognized by French physician Guillaume Duchenne. While conducting research on the physiology of facial expressions in the mid-19th century, Duchenne identified two distinct types of smiles. A Duchenne smile involves contraction of both the zygomatic major muscle (which raises the corners of the mouth) and the orbicularis oculi muscle (which raises the cheeks and forms crow's feet around the eyes). A non-Duchenne smile involves only the zygomatic major muscle. “Research with adults initially indicated that joy was indexed by generic smiling, any smiling involving the raising of the lip corners by the zygomatic major…. More recent research suggests that smiling in which the muscle around the eye contracts, raising the cheeks high (Duchenne smiling), is uniquely associated with positive emotion.”[13]

www.psychologicalscience.org...-qZQ

Smile beget a smile...

The entire event is short — typically lasting from two-thirds of a second to four seconds — and those who witness it often respond by mirroring the action, and smiling back.

Turn that frown upside down...

...it seems that smiling through tough times does a body good.

Does this make you smile...



For the Cat lover's (LIttled)...


Different things make people smile, some times it is a nervous twitch...fear...anger...I generally use a smile to feel better or to elicit a smile in return from someone who is down.

“If you ask people who smiles more, everyone will say, ‘Women, of course,’” says LaFrance, whose book on smiling research, Lip Service, is scheduled for publication by W.W. Norton next summer. “What people don’t consider as much — both within the field of psychology and outside of it, is how variable smiling is as a function of the context of a social situation.”

When you are in a social situation smiling seems to attract and not smiling seems to repel...people can read the expressions and react accordingly.

Sometimes smiling at the wrong time can have the opposite affect. People can be some place that is somber and be misunderstood if they smile...taken as a sign of disrespect...or lack of concern...this is not always the case...they could be accessing a memory that made them smile.

Some people interpret smiles to be sexual in nature when received in certain settings...to not give false impressions they may refrain from smiling at someone they do not find attractive...I would still rather smile and if it is misunderstood...be diplomatic. You can be friendly without being attracted.

Another function of smiling (and one that anecdotal evidence supports) is that it enhances our attractiveness.

Smiles are definitely more attractive than frowns...


Wouldn't you agree...


Give the world a smile...and she will smile back!!!

Oh that kitten's smile is so adorable.

What's in a SMILE?

Quite often, I find a "smile" to be an obvious sign of deception. Beware of those who smile while asking for votes, money, or help.

I reckon that shows that I have become a bit cynical over the years. Oh well...

See ya,
Milt

PS:
Thanks for making me smile. A star and flag for you.

reply to post by BenReclused


Only a deceptive person would know that...I choose to give the benefit of the doubt...intuition will usually tell me which side to believe.

reply to post by Manhater


I know...just brings a smile right to my face!

Originally posted by BrokenAngelWings33
reply to post by BenReclused

 

Only a deceptive person would know that...I choose to give the benefit of the doubt...intuition will usually tell me which side to believe.

What was your reason for that insult? You know absolutely nothing about me, and your "intuition" is most definitely flawed in this instance. My previous observation was learned by my unfortunate habit of choosing "to give the benefit of the doubt".

If you are wise, you will heed my advice:
Beware of those who smile while asking for votes, money, or help.

See ya,
Milt

Mirror neurons.

It's why smiles are so contagious. My classroom is decorated in smiley faces for that very reason.

S&F

reply to post by BenReclused


Hmm..I did not direct an insult at you...you seem to be a tad defensive though...perhaps I struck a nerve...being aware of deception is rooted in fear...I don't trust anyone with fake smiles...they are easy to discern.

reply to post by smyleegrl


Awesome...I write smiley faces on anyone that comes near me with a frown, so they can see it in their hand when I am not around...turn that frown upside down...you clown...right?

I used to smile at everyone I would meet at work.
One night a person asked me why I was always smiling? They seemed to think it made me look silly smiling all the time. I told them I would rather smile than frown. But, I have noticed since that time I am more aware of who I smile at. Some people see it as a sign of weakness where I work.

Also, smiling uses less facial muscles than frowning. I'll have less wrinkles when I'm 80 than those who choose to wear a frown.

Smiling is the universal language of kindness..A simple smile makes you feel good, makes you healthier, look better and more competent. It also makes others feel better. So this is a simple solution to many problems Feel bad? Start smiling. peace,sugarcookie1

reply to post by sled735


Screw what other people say....SMILE away!

reply to post by sled735


Just for you sled...

Originally posted by BrokenAngelWings33
reply to post by BenReclused

 

Hmm..I did not direct an insult at you...you seem to be a tad defensive though...perhaps I struck a nerve...being aware of deception is rooted in fear...I don't trust anyone with fake smiles...they are easy to discern.

Sure you did!:

Only a deceptive person would know that...

Now you continue to be insulting. I reckon it's just your nature.:

you seem to be a tad defensive though...perhaps I struck a nerve...

See ya,
Milt

reply to post by sugarcookie1


Here Sugar...pass these out...

reply to post by BenReclused

reply to post by BrokenAngelWings33


I love the cookies they are so darn cute! I wish i could pass them out to everyone..peace,sugarcookie1

reply to post by BrokenAngelWings33


I love the smiling kitty!



I smile very much like the kitty does. When I smile my eyes crinkle up almost to the point that you can't see them. I have lots of little lines because I'm almost constantly smiling or laughing about something, and if I'm out somewhere and someone makes eye contact I always give them a smile, and they always smile back too!

reply to post by BrokenAngelWings33


Truce ben.

Originally posted by BenReclused

What's in a SMILE?

Quite often, I find a "smile" to be an obvious sign of deception. Beware of those who smile while asking for votes, money, or help.

I reckon that shows that I have become a bit cynical over the years. Oh well...

See ya,
Milt

PS:
Thanks for making me smile.

A star and flag for you.

edit on 1-12-2012 by BenReclused because: Typo

I was mistaken I apologize.