10 Hidden Benefits of Smiling
People smile all the time, especially in social settings, but the reasons behind it are far more complex than just expressing happiness. Smiles serve a variety of social purposes and send out signals that can work to our advantage. From building trust to boosting our chances in social interactions, here are 10 ways that smiles can work for us in ways you might not have realized.
1. Get Others to Trust You
Smiling sends a signal of trustworthiness. Research shows that people are more likely to trust those who smile. In fact, smiles have even been linked to a higher perception of generosity and sociability. Studies have shown that people are 10% more likely to trust someone who smiles than someone who doesn’t (Scharlemann et al., 2001). When you smile, you appear approachable and cooperative, which can go a long way in social and professional situations.
2. Smile for Leniency
Ever caught red-handed doing something wrong? A smile could help you get away with it. Studies show that when people smile after making a mistake, others tend to be more lenient towards them. Whether it’s a genuine, embarrassed, or even a forced smile, it signals to others that you’re trustworthy, and they may be more forgiving of your errors (LaFrance & Hecht, 1995).
3. Recover from Social Slip-ups
We’ve all been there—forgetting a partner’s special occasion or accidentally saying something awkward. Embarrassment usually follows, but don’t worry, smiling can help. When we feel embarrassed, we instinctively smile to soften the situation and signal to others that we recognize our mistake and seek forgiveness. This quick social cue can make it easier to move past embarrassing moments (Keltner & Buswell, 1997).
4. Smile to Avoid Regret
Sometimes, we smile because it's polite and helps us avoid feeling bad later. For example, if someone shares good news, you might smile even if you don’t feel particularly happy for them. Studies show that people who resist smiling in these situations tend to feel guilty afterward (LaFrance, 1997). So, a smile can be a simple way to avoid social discomfort and keep the peace.
5. Laugh Off the Hurt
Smiling has the ability to reduce emotional pain. Known as the facial feedback hypothesis, this theory suggests that smiling, even when we don’t feel like it, can help lift our mood. However, while smiling can help us feel better, doing so in distressing situations might make us seem less likable to others (Ansfield, 2007). So, while it might help you feel better, be cautious of how others perceive your smile in tough moments.
6. Grin for Insight
Smiling can boost cognitive flexibility and make you more open to new ideas. Research has shown that when we smile, our ability to see the bigger picture and make connections improves. Smiling can enhance our problem-solving skills by helping us break free from narrow thinking and consider a broader range of ideas (Johnson et al., 2010). So next time you’re stuck on a problem, try smiling—it might just help you see the solution.
7. Smile for Sex
A smile can increase your attractiveness, especially when it comes to romantic interactions. Studies have found that when women smile, they are more likely to be approached by men. In fact, a smile can make a woman 40% more likely to be approached compared to just eye contact alone (Walsh & Hewitt, 1985). However, the effect is not as strong when men smile at women, as women tend to prefer other expressions like pride or even shame over happiness in men (Tracy & Beall, 2011).
8. Hide What You Really Think
Smiles can be used to conceal our true feelings. While a genuine smile reaches the eyes and is difficult to fake, many people can mimic the appearance of a Duchenne smile (a real smile) by controlling their facial muscles. Smiling can be a useful tool for managing social situations when we need to hide our true emotions, although it's not always easy to pull off convincingly. Slow onset smiles, which spread gradually across the face, are often judged as more trustworthy and authentic (A Slow Smile Attracts).
9. Smile to Make Money
Smiling can even have a direct impact on your wallet. Research has shown that waitresses who smile more tend to receive higher tips than those who don’t. Smiling is considered a key aspect of emotional labor in service industries, where customer satisfaction is paramount. But while a smile can increase your income, it can also be exhausting, especially if there’s a mismatch between your true feelings and the smile you’re displaying (Tidd & Lockard, 1978).
10. Smile and (Half) the World Smiles With You
One of the most simple yet powerful social interactions is when you smile at someone and they smile back. Studies show that about 50% of people will reciprocate a smile, whereas hardly anyone will return a frown (Hinsz & Tomhave, 1991). This shows just how contagious a smile can be. A smile creates a positive cycle, brightening both your day and the day of those around you.
Smile for Longevity
Finally, if none of the previous reasons have convinced you, consider this: people who smile more tend to live longer. A study of baseball players from 1952 showed that those who smiled in their photographs lived, on average, seven years longer than those who didn’t (Abel & Kruger, 2010). Smiling may not just improve your mood—it could even add years to your life.
Conclusion
From making us more attractive to boosting our cognitive abilities, the power of a smile goes beyond just signaling happiness. Smiling has practical, social, and even health benefits that can improve various aspects of our lives. So, the next time you’re in a social setting or facing a difficult situation, remember: a smile might be the key to making things better.