Smiling
"when you smile it compels other people to smile as well"
The effect that smiling has not only on ourselves, but also on other people around us, is quite extraordinary.
First, smiling makes us feel better in a way that few other things can. It stimulates our brain’s reward mechanisms in a way that even chocolate, a well-regarded pleasure-inducer, cannot match. British researchers found that one smile can provide the same level of brain stimulation as up to 2,000 chocolate bars."
Second, when you smile it compels other people to smile as well, also making them feel good. Two studies from 2002 and 2011 at Uppsala University in Sweden confirmed that other people’s smiles actually suppress the control we usually have over our facial muscles, compelling us to smile. They also showed that it’s very difficult to frown when looking at someone who smiles.
Third, smiling also makes us look good in the eyes of others. A Penn State University study found that when we smile we not only appear more likeable and courteous, but we’re actually perceived to be more competent.
So, one of the easiest ways to connect with other people, especially when you meet them for the first time, is simply to smile. But it has to be a genuine smile. People can usually detect a fake smile quite easily. Fake smiles involve activation of different face muscles than real smiles, and our brains are able to detect the difference.
Make sure your children understand the importance of smiling. If they don't do it much, get them to practice smiling in front of the mirror. The power of a real smile is such that if they do it properly, they should immediately feel happy and relaxed.
Encourage them to smile when they are in new situations like meeting people for the first time or talking to a group of people. It will make them feel more confident, happier and more relaxed. The people they meet will like them more.
Back to the top