User:Schu4639/Smile
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A smile conveys some type of emotion; it is communication without words; it last a second but leaves a long lasting impression. When defined, a smile is a facial expression formed by flexing the muscles near both ends of the mouth.[1] The smile can also be found around the eyes (See 'Duchenne smile' below). Among humans, it is customarily an expression denoting pleasure, happiness, or amusement, but can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, in which case it is known as a grimace. Smiling is something that is understood by everyone despite culture, race, or religion; it is internationally known. Cross-cultural studies have shown that smiling is a means of communicating emotions throughout the world.[2] But there are large differences between different cultures.[3] A smile can also be spontaneous or artificial. Everyone has at one time in their life smiled, and it is not something we have learned, but more of a natural reaction to a positive experience.
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Nepali_Woman_Smiles.jpg/640px-Nepali_Woman_Smiles.jpg)
Happiness is most often the motivating cause of a smile. Among animals, the exposure of teeth, which may bear a resemblance to a smile, is often used as a threat or warning display—known as a snarl—or a sign of submission. In chimpanzees, it can also be a sign of fear. The study of smiles is a part of gelotology, psychology, and linguistics, comprising various theories of affect, humor, and laughter.[4] Work by John Gottman has shown that smiling and other such expressions of positive emotions are important to shaping relationships with others.[5]