The power of a genuine smile: How to be more likable in a tough world
Thursday, June 6, 2024.
Ever wondered how to make people instantly like you?
Turns out, the secret might be simpler than you think.
Research reveals that smiling is one of the best ways to win people over. But here’s the kicker: it has to be a real smile, what psychologists call a ‘Duchenne smile.’
What’s so special about a Duchenne smile?
A Duchenne smile isn’t just about flashing those pearly whites. It’s all about the eyes. You know, those crinkly eyes that make you look like you’ve just heard the funniest joke ever. Fake smiles? They’re easy to spot—they involve only the mouth and leave the eyes out of the party. So, if you’re trying to impress, remember to smile with your whole face!
The Science of the Duchenne Smile
Named after the French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne, the Duchenne smile is the gold standard of genuine happiness.
This type of smile engages not just the zygomatic major muscle, which pulls up the corners of your mouth, but also the orbicularis oculi muscle, which crinkles the corners of your eyes. In essence, it’s a full-face workout that radiates true joy and warmth.
People are surprisingly good at distinguishing between a Duchenne smile and a fake one. When you genuinely smile, your eyes light up, creating those endearing crow’s feet. A fake smile, on the other hand, is like a party where only half the guests show up—it falls flat and looks unconvincing.
The Significance of a Genuine Smile
Dr. Belinda Campos, who led this enlightening research, said:
“Our findings provide new evidence of the significance of positive emotions in social settings and highlight the role that positive emotions display in the development of new social connections.
People are highly attuned to the positive emotions of others and can be more attuned to others’ positive emotions than negative emotions.”
In simpler terms, humans are like emotional radars, more tuned to positive vibes than negative ones. And guess what? A smile makes people feel emotionally closer to strangers. Yes, even that random person you see on your daily coffee run!
How the study was conducted
For this study, participants watched videos of people interacting, showing both positive and negative emotions.
The results were clear: positive emotions, strangely enough, especially awe, are like social glue. They draw strangers together, making them feel a connection. So, next time you’re feeling amazed by something, don’t hold back—share that awe!
Questions to Ponder
How can we improve our likability signals in a world that seems to be getting harsher and angrier?
What does it mean to show genuine positive emotions in today’s social landscape?
Can a simple smile really change our interactions with strangers? This research says, yes, it can.
Final Thoughts
In a world that often feels cruel and angry, maybe the best way to connect is through genuine positivity.
So, smile more, share your awe… and watch as you start to attract more people into your life. After all, who doesn’t want to be around someone who makes them feel good?
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Campos, B., Schoebi, D., Gonzaga, G.C. et al. Attuned to the positive? Awareness and responsiveness to others’ positive emotion experience and display. Motiv Emot 39, 780–794 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-015-9494-x
