Why Do You Smile Like You Do?

[DarceyK123]

Really mad question I know but every smiles in a different way.

Some just top teeth showing, some with all teeth showing, some closed mouthed ect, ect.

I just wondered why this is. Is it the individual shape of your face, or your mouth or is it the way you learnt as a small child/baby?

[EcclesCake]

I had a brace for many years so rarely am caught on camera with a big toothy grin.

[DarceyK123]

Aww Eccles, yes I can see if you are not confident with your teeth it may change the way you smile, but if you had perfect teeth?

[-Talbot-]

or is it the way you learnt as a small child/baby?


You don't learn to smile, it is innate

[woofgang]

apparently social smiling is not innate but learned
https://www.babble.com/baby/baby-first-smile/

[-Talbot-]

I'll stick with my answer.

[Cloverjo]

I hardly ever smile with my teeth showing. I grew up with crooked teeth, so wanted to hide them. I've now had them fixed but I still feel too awkward to smile properly.

Some people do seem to have naturally smiley faces though.

[DarceyK123]

That's interesting Woof.
Clover, you learnt to smile to hide your teeth (I did that too) and people smile differently when they pose for photos, but I'm wondering about 'no one watching' natural smiles,

I know I smile differently when I just playing with my very small grandson than I do when my Son then gets the camera out. So maybe it is more of a conscious thing than I thought.

[Gizmonster]

I'm with Talbot on this one.
I agree that if you feel awkward about not having a perfect smile, then you might smile differently (consciously or subconsciously??), but the natural smile is just that .... it's natural and unforced. The differences in everyone's natural smile is probably mostly down to differences in facial features.

[hc4361]

Facial muscles, size of mouth, lips and teeth and chin shape will all affect a smile. We all smile differently because we are unique.

[david small]

I never know where to put my lips on camera when trying to smile, if you know what I mean.

[jacpinetree17]

I just think im lucky to have teeth. keep me apps with dentist. Pay for scale/polish every 6 months. look after YOUR teeth an gums. NOBODY else will. Best advice i can give. jpt xxxx

[Wigginsusie]

I basically prefer smiling to express my happiness. When I feel I feel more happier as well. Happiness is something which just multiplies and increases as you choose to share it, and that is why I keep smiling, without much of reasons. You can always choose to smile.