How to Spot a Fake Smile vs Real Smile

How to Spot a Fake Smile vs Real Smile

A smile can make others seem trustworthy and kind, as well as approachable. While everyone would like to be genuinely happy all the time, that doesn't always happen. Many people still try to smile during difficult times for a variety of different reasons. If you were wondering how to tell the difference between a fake smile vs. real smile, there are some things to look for.

Tips to Spot a Fake Smile 

When it comes to spotting a fake smile, in general, there are several signs that you can look for. Here are clues that someone is using a fake smile vs. a real smile:

1. Their Eyes Don't Close

When someone has a genuine smile, it impacts more than their mouth. Joy can be seen on every inch of their face, and one indicator that they have a fake smile is in their eyes. If their eyes aren't all the way closed or squinting, then their smile more than likely isn't genuine.

2. You Don't See Crow's Feet

No one wants to admit that they have fine lines and wrinkles at the corners of their eyes, but they aren't as bad as many make them out to be. In fact, they can be an indicator that a person has spent a lifetime smiling genuinely and being happy.

Seeing crow's feet plays into the indicator above and how smiles impact a person's entire face. If you don't see crow's feet while they are smiling, this is another way to tell that they are fake smiling.

3. You See their Bottom Teeth

Another way to tell someone is fake smiling is to look at their teeth. If you can see their bottom teeth, this usually indicates that they are trying much too hard to smile and look happy. There may be a cheesiness to how they look when they plaster this fake smile onto their lips, so you know they aren't being genuine.

4. Look at Their Body Language

One of the reasons people may decide to fake smile could be because they are uncomfortable in a social situation but don't want to let anyone know - but their body language could give this away. Genuine smiles usually occur when someone is relaxed and having fun. If you notice that another person's body seems tense or rigid or their arms are crossed over their chest, this could be an indicator that they are fake smiling.

Description: A person in a red dress Description automatically generated with low confidence

What Does a Genuine Smile Look Like?

Now that you know how to spot a fake smile, you may be wondering what a genuine smile looks like. Typically, a sincere smile is referred to as "the Duchenne Smile," and it was named after a researcher in the 17th century that believed genuine expressions of happiness were found in the eyes.

There are several muscles that are used to create a smile, and it's easy to activate the muscles around your mouth to produce a fake smile. However, Duchenne believe that when a person is truly happy and smiling, that expression will activate the muscles around the eyes. If you have heard the term "eye smile," this is what it's referring to.

Reasons Why Someone Might Fake a Smile

Now that you know the difference between a fake smile and a real one, let's look at some of the reasons why a person might fake a smile.

1. They Are Unhappy with Their Teeth

One of the most common reasons why someone might fake a closed-mouth smile could be because they are self-conscious about their teeth. If they are discolored or stained, they may be apprehensive to show their full smile.

Thankfully, there is an easy way to fix this problem and allow a person the opportunity to smile for real. To get teeth whitening best results, using the right product is imperative. At GLO Science, we offer a variety of different products that can brighten your teeth up to five shades whiter - in as few as five to seven days.

Whether you use our GLO Vials, the GLO Lit device or the GLO Brilliant device to get white teeth, you will increase your confidence, and that may be all that you need to smile genuinely more often.

2. They Are Simply Sad

While most of us want life to be happy and carefree all the time, the truth is that bad things happen. There's nothing wrong with feeling sad, but it may cause people to fake smile just so that they can get through the day — and that's okay.

There is something to fake smile psychology. Even if a person is just going through the motions, that may be enough to convince the brain that things aren't as bad as it imagines. Smiling releases endorphins and other chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. A fake smile could turn into a genuine smile if your brain thinks there's something to be happy about, and that may be what you need to turn your day around.

Feel Good About Your Smile

At some point in time, we've all faked a smile. Whether we were experiencing a tough time or felt awkward, we did what we could to make the moment as tolerable as possible. This happens in life.

However, if you find that you are faking smiles because you are self-conscious about your teeth, browse our teeth whitening products and find the option that will give you a bright, dazzling smile that you'll want to show off!


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