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2006-08-07 02:14:44 · 21 answers · asked by ? 3 in Beauty & Style Skin & Body

21 answers

Why do you ask?

Smiling is one of the best way to portray happiness. People smile when they're happy as a physical expression of this happiness. People also can smile as a shield to keep others from discovering their true feelings. That is not quite as good of a reason but it is a known phenomenon.

2006-08-07 02:20:27 · answer #1 · answered by potatosalad2008 5 · 6 1

In physiology, a smile is a facial expression formed by flexing muscles most notably near both ends of the mouth, but also around the eyes. Among humans, it is customarily an expression of pleasure or amusement, but can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, in which case it can be known as a grimace. There is much evidence that smiling is a normal reaction to certain stimuli and occurs regardless of culture. Happiness most often causes the smile to occur, though. Many studies indicate that smiling is an innate reaction, as children blind from birth, and even human fetuses smile; however feral children generally do not smile, perhaps lending evidence to the contrary. Among animals, the exposure of teeth, which may bear a resemblance to a smile, are often used as a threat - known as a snarl - or a sign of submission.

Smiling not only changes a facial expression, but can also make the brain produce endorphins which reduce physical and emotional pain, and give a greater sense of well-being.

Researchers have identified a number of different types of smiles.

The "Duchenne smile", after the researcher Guillaume Duchenne, is the most studied, and involves the movement of both the zygomaticus major muscle near the mouth and the orbicularis oculi muscle near the eyes. An example of the smile is shown in the girl's smile at the top of the page. It is believed that the Duchenne smile is only produced as an involuntary response to genuine emotion, and is therefore what one could call the "genuine" smile. Due to the involvement of the muscle near the eyes, it is sometime said that one can tell whether or not a smile is "real" by whether or not it "reaches the eyes".
The "Pan American smile", on the other hand, is the voluntary smile involving only the zygomaticus major muscle to show politeness; for example, by a flight attendant on the former airline of the same name. Considered "insincere", this type of smile has also been called the "Professional Smile" by David Foster Wallace in his comedic short story A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again.

2006-08-07 09:27:11 · answer #2 · answered by mspentinum 3 · 0 0

Me personally? I smile to show that I'm enjoying myself. However, I have recently decided that smiling and laughing might originate as a reflex of fear in infants. Like cats purr when there nervous but then we reinforce the behavior by petting them so they do it when they are being petted or wanting to be. So I think that perhaps smiling in very young babies may actually be in response to fear.... if the fear is unwarrented then the person will smile back and sooth the baby.... just my thoughts, Best wishes

2006-08-07 09:20:13 · answer #3 · answered by colorist 6 · 0 0

Of course SMILE is the very best sign of happiness ,even im angry im still smiling to everyone just to keep my heart relax and control...Coz smile also make a person look nice and joyful...

2006-08-07 09:21:34 · answer #4 · answered by jneth 1 · 0 0

Because it shows I'm confident and happy with myself and guys dig that in a girl+they think that's so cute when I smile.

2006-08-07 09:17:59 · answer #5 · answered by That-BAM!-girl! 3 · 0 0

Because I'm happy, I'm confident, I want to make other people smile, and because smilings contagious.

2006-08-07 09:20:01 · answer #6 · answered by snappypappy797 3 · 0 0

Because I don't want people to think I am angry all the time. Also I don't look that great when I frown so I smile as much as possible! :o)

2006-08-07 09:24:55 · answer #7 · answered by classic_tigger 5 · 0 0

A happy heart puts a smile on your face.
So thats the reason i smile!!!!!

2006-08-07 09:36:35 · answer #8 · answered by Guddy 1 · 0 0

I can't smile lately without looking fake- its the oddest thing.

2006-08-07 09:20:19 · answer #9 · answered by Luci 4 · 0 0

Because im happy, or nervous. Or just want people to think im not a *****

2006-08-07 09:19:21 · answer #10 · answered by Rae 4 · 0 0

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