Did you know that there are around 10,000 different expressions of human emotion? Several of them are different types of smiles we can all make!
Want to learn more? Then, you need to keep reading.
We’ll tell you all you need to know about all the different types of smiles. That way, you can be conscious of the way you are expressing your emotions towards others. You’ll then have the right smile to match your mood.
Duchenne Smile
There are many different types of smiles that are classified in various ways. A Duchenne Smile, named after 19th-century French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne, is one of the most genuine and sincere expressions of emotion.
It is identifiable by the crinkling of the eyes at the corners, and the gesture of the lips being pulled up into a tight ‘u’ shape. It usually appears spontaneously in response to positive emotions, like joy, contentment, or happiness.
The Duchenne Smile is considered a real smile because it is not usually seen in response to external stimulus but is an expression of true inner emotion. Therefore, it is seen as a genuine expression of happiness. It is often referred to as a ‘smile of joy.’
Polite Smile
A polite smile is an expression of kindness and politeness. It indicates someone is being friendly and can act as a greeting or acknowledgment of another.
However, It generally does not reveal the person’s true feelings and can often be a sign of disinterest. It has been a social cue since ancient times and is still a commonly used gesture today.
Forced Smile
A forced smile is typically used to cover up deeper, more complex emotions. It can often be faked to achieve a desired outcome.
This type of smile is often characterized by a persistent, flat, and crooked expression. It masks emotions such as disappointment, sadness, or general discomfort. This smile conveys politeness in formal settings, to diffuse tense and difficult situations, or to avoid conflict.
Smirk
A smirk is a type of involuntary smile that is usually accompanied by a hint of sarcasm or superiority. It typically consists of turning up only one side of the mouth, with the corner of the lip slightly curled. It is a sign of derision or mockery and often indicates that the smirk-er is feeling smug or superior to the person they are talking to.
Sometimes, it can be a misunderstood facial expression. It may come off as more crass than the smirk-er intends. So to avoid any misunderstandings, it is best to use a different type of smile, such as a genuine or amused smile.
Amused Smile
An amused smile is one that someone wears when something amuses or pleases them. It’s filled with a happy emotion of merriment and joy that’s easy to catch and spread.
An amused smile is often accompanied by other forms of body language, such as raised eyebrows or a sparkle in one’s eyes. When a person is amused and smiles, their lips turn up at the corners with a slight wrinkling of their nose. If someone has a wide, expansive smile and it lights up their eyes and makes their face glow, it may be an especially happy, amused smile.
Wistful Smile
Wistful smiles are bittersweet smiles. They convey a feeling of longing and missing something from the past. They usually show a subtle sadness as well as a hint of contentment.
Wistful smiles can happen when someone reminisces about a memory or laments over a regret. These smiles appear when one knows they cannot go back in time. It can also demonstrate a person’s frustrated acceptance of a difficult situation.
Flirtatious Smile
A flirtatious smile is when someone smiles in a slightly seductive manner in an attempt to attract someone of the opposite sex. This kind of smile often incorporates a sparkle in the eyes and makes direct eye contact with the other person. They usually have a mischievous quality to them that signals the person wants more than just a conversation.
The only caveat is, if you’re trying this smile, you have to be as presentable as possible. You need to have proper hygiene habits that are sure to attract the person you’re flirting with. So before you start flashing your flirtatious smile, find out more information at queensmedicalcenter.ae on how to better care for your pearly whites.
Embarrassed Smile
An embarrassed smile occurs when you feel slightly embarrassed or ashamed. Your lips curl up into a slight smile while your cheeks redden. It is often accompanied by a downward gaze.
This type of smile is usually directed at oneself, as a way to acknowledge and accept the awkwardness of the situation. It is sometimes used to signal awkwardness or remorse.
Additionally, one may use an embarrassed smile to indicate an apology, embarrassment, or shame. It is also common for an embarrassed smile to go along with a sheepish shrug or other body language signifying shyness or discomfort.
Affirmative Smile
An affirmative smile is a type of smile that expresses agreement, understanding, or acceptance of what someone is saying. It is often seen in daily life when someone is happy with an agreement or happy with a successful outcome.
It can also signal approval, or even show the speaker that their words are deeply appreciated. Affirmative smiles usually include the upturning of the corners of the mouth, sometimes accompanied by a brief nod of the head. It is an important tool for communication, and can greatly improve relationships among people.
Mona Lisa Smile
There are many different types of smiles associated with the Mona Lisa painting. According to experts, the painting has two main types of smiles.
The first is the typical smile with raised corners and upturned lips. This type of smile is often associated with happiness or contentment.
The second type of smile present in the painting is a “sly” or “enigmatic” smile. This type of smile hints at secret knowledge or even slyness. It suggests a knowing or conspiratorial smirk.
Different Types of Smiles Convery Different Emotions
Numerous types of smiles can be categorized based on their purpose and intensity. From the classic Duchenne smile to the subtle Mona Lisa smile, each has its unique purpose.
With so many types of smiles at our disposal, we can effectively express what words cannot. Let us use this knowledge not just to express ourselves, but connect with others.
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