Lays and the Smile Operation

[Angrboda]

Do you think intentionally smiling can lead to real smiles? I used to do this exercise with my therapist where we would look at each other and smile, and if I ever felt that the smile was too big, or too fake, I made it bigger and faker. In the context of the therapeutic exercise, it really did lead to a real smile.... each and every time.

But it got me thinking: Can intentionally smiling in a candid setting lead to real smiles?

Thoughts?

Real smiles tend to differ considerably from intentional smiles, particularly in the muscles surrounding the eyes -- a particular focus of attention. A fake smile can be somewhat consciously disarming, but hardly as effectively as a real one.

[Foxaèr]

Other people smiling at me doesn't lead me to smile back.  I only ever smile on my own terms.

A kudos is not an indication of a smile, just to be clear. 

[John V]

Do you think intentionally smiling can lead to real smiles? I used to do this exercise with my therapist where we would look at each other and smile, and if I ever felt that the smile was too big, or too fake, I made it bigger and faker. In the context of the therapeutic exercise, it really did lead to a real smile.... each and every time.

But it got me thinking: Can intentionally smiling in a candid setting lead to real smiles?

Yep. IIRC How to Win Friends and Influence People has a whole section on smiling, and that's the best book on the subject.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

I smile like Wednesday Adams.

[Foxaèr]

I smile like Wednesday Adams.

I smile like Kristen Stewart.