Regardless of what language barriers stand in between us, smiles are a universal sign of joy and trustworthiness in terms of non-verbal communication.
Getting a real, heartfelt smile may be even better than receiving money, according to a research study
performed in 2005. "The powerful emotions triggered when someone important in our lives smiles at us and we smile back changes our brain chemistry. It creates what is termed a 'halo' effect that helps us remember other happy events more vividly, feel more optimistic, more positive, and more motivated," says Dr. David Lewis, the psychologist who evaluated these findings.
Additionally, endorphins and a stress-managing hormone called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor are released during the physical act of smiling, giving them the power to lower stress. A genuine smile also conveys friendliness, self-confidence, and sincerity. As a matter of fact, employers are most likely to hire those who show bright, sincere smiles during the interview process than potential employees whose smiles don't feel sincere.
But how can you tell if a smile is sincere or not? The majority of people can be able to spot the difference when they’re interacting with others. When someone forces a smile, it generally doesn't reach the person's eyes and there is usually a lot of tension in the muscles around the mouth. When a person smiles in a sincere way, it's called a
Duchenne smile. This type of smile is when the mouth's corners lift, pressing our cheeks upwards and forming crow's feet at the corners of our eyes.
This is all relatively interesting; something as rudimentary as a smile can produce a meaningful impact on our everyday lives. However, for some, smiling may be hard to do. Those who are suffering from dental complications, like missing teeth, tooth decay, or similar issues, may be more hesitant when it comes to their smiles. Due to this, these people are at risk of being mislabeled as unapproachable, incompetent, and mean regardless of how they really are.