5865. A smile that reaches the eyes

 

A smile that reaches the eyes, known as a Duchenne smile, is characterized by the contraction of both the zygomatic major muscle (raising mouth corners) and the orbicularis oculi muscle (raising cheeks and creating crow's feet). It signals genuine joy, warmth, and emotion, as opposed to forced social smiles. 

Key Characteristics and Science:

• Muscular Engagement: The distinguishing factor is the action around the eyes (orbicularis oculi), often called "smiling with the eyes" or "smizing".
• The Difference: While a regular smile only involves the mouth, a Duchenne smile produces crinkles in the corners of the eyes.
• Limbic System Control: True smiles are controlled by the brain's limbic system, whereas forced smiles (like "saying cheese") are controlled by the motor cortex.
• Evolutionary Link: It is named after 19th-century neurologist Guillaume Duchenne, who studied the facial muscles involved in genuine emotional expressions. 

Significance:

• Authenticity: It is generally considered a reliable indicator of real happiness, enjoyment, or amusement.
• Social Connection: Duchenne smiles tend to appear when an individual is near people they know and trust, signaling positive emotion.
• Physical/Mental Health: They are linked to higher levels of well-being, reduced stress, and increased social cohesion.
• Anatomical Markers: Beyond eye-crinkling, these smiles often involve narrowed eyelids and a shiny appearance of the cheeks. 

While historically defined as the only true smile, some studies suggest that Duchenne smiles may also represent high intensity or specific social situations, not exclusively felt pleasure, but it remains a strong marker for social warmth, says Carnegie Mellon University. 

 

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Non-Duchenne smiles shouldn’t necessarily be considered “fake,” however. A more accurate way of describing them might be “polite.”

Polite smiles can communicate social pleasantness, and they can even signal discreet psychological distanceTrusted Source, which may be an appropriate response in many situations