Embarrassed smile

The ‘embarrassed smile’ is identical to the dampened smile, though the two are easily distinguished – if not by the flushed cheeks, then the uncomfortable situation which usually precedes it. Another tell-tale sign is moving the head downwards and slightly to the left.

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There are 19 types of smile but only six are for happiness

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There are 19 types of smile but only six are for happiness

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  • Smile ≠ happy

    Those who smile often are thought of as more likeable, competent, approachable, friendly and attractive. Of 19 different types of smile, only six occur when we’re having a good time. The rest happen when we’re in pain, embarrassed, uncomfortable, horrified or even miserable. A smile may mean contempt, anger or incredulity, that we’re lying or that we’ve lost.

    There are 19 types of smile but only six are for happiness

  • Duchenne smile

    Duchenne was interested in the mechanics of facial expressions, including how the muscles of the face contract to produce a smile. The Duchenne‘ smile is long and intense, though it involves the contraction of just two muscles. First the zygomatic major, which resides in the cheek, tugs at the corners of the mouth, then the orbicularis oculi, which surrounds the eye, pulls up the cheeks, leading to the characteristic ‘twinkling eyes’.

    There are 19 types of smile but only six are for happiness

  • The dampened smile

    The dampened smile is an attempt to control an automatic, happy one and exists because some muscles, such as the ones controlling the mouth, are easier to suppress than others. “The cheeks will be raised but we pull the corners of the mouth downwards or press the lips together." Not all cultures invite a broad smile.  In Japan, where etiquette dictates that emotions are stifled in public, there’s a greater emphasis on smiling with the eyes. 

    There are 19 types of smile but only six are for happiness

  • Qualifier smile

    The ‘qualifier smile’ aims to take the edge off bad news.  It begins abruptly, raising the lower lip slightly, and is occasionally accompanied by a slightly downwards and sideways tilt of the head.

    There are 19 types of smile but only six are for happiness