5.1.12

{not} Simile of a Smile


Female smiles are appealing to males, increasing physical attractiveness, and enhancing sex appeal. However, recent research indicates a man's smile may or may not be most effective in attracting women, and that facial expressions such as pride or even shame might be more effective (Tracy & Beall, 2011).

In human, happiness is most often the motivating cause of a smile. However, there are many exceptions, especially among animals. The exposure of teeth, which may bear a resemblance to a smile, is often used as a threat or warning display—known as a snarl—or a sign of submission. For chimpanzees, it can also be a sign of fear (Freitas-Magalhaes, 2006).

Smile, damn it! Smile! Because you can’t live in the past and hope to create the future.

------
Tracy, J.L., & Beall, A.T. (2011). Happy guys finish last: the impact of emotion expressions on sexual attraction. Emotion 11 (6): 1379-1387.

Freitas-Magalhães, A. (2006). The psychology of human smile. Oporto: University Fernando Pessoa Press.

No comments:

Post a Comment