S.M.I.L.E - & the Whole World Smiles Back at YOU

"A smile is the shortest distance between two people."


What happens when you feel the first instance of joy?

That’s right. You break out in a smile. You don't think 1st whether should you smile or not. In another words, it's involuntary (though you can certainly fake one, out of courtesy for instance, and no one knows except for yourself). Some people find it hard to smile. Some people smile without knowing that they are smiling (I think I'm one of those; think my mouth is shaped in a way that is slightly lifted on the edges... like the Joker... except his is a serious case of permanent motor malfunction).
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

As defined by Wikipedia, a smile is a facial expression formed by flexing those muscles most notably near both ends of the mouth. The smile can also be found around the eyes, aka 'Duchenne smile'. Sometimes, it may not be mouth that is telling of a smile; it may just be that sparkle in your eyes! Hence, it is very possible to use a smile to communicate a thousand words.

Most smiles are happy signs. They speak of joy, happiness, love or even pride. However, there are smiles that can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, otherwise known as the grimace, or an expression of embarassment in a sheepish way.

Mona Lisa’s smile is enigmatic, the Cheshire Cat’s is devious, the Joker’s is mischievous and Jesus’s is serene. Humans probably have been smiling for as long as they’ve been around. But despite the long history of smiles, scientists still haven’t figured out exactly how or why the brain tells the lips to curve, the nose to wrinkle, the eyes to twinkle and the cheeks to lift.

Babies generally start smiling at about 6 to 8 weeks. Throughout childhood, boys smile just about as much as girls. That changes soon after puberty. Grown women smile more than men, and they also smile wider.

Smiling, studies suggest, makes people appear more attractive, kinder and, by some accounts, easier to remember.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

A Duchenne smile contracts the muscles of the cheek and eye, forming crow's feet. The corners of the mouth turn up and the skin around the corners of your eyes crinkles. The crow's feet show that the smile is genuine and that the smiler is truly happy. It was discovered by and is named after Guillaume Duchenne.
In a Duchenne smile, the facial muscles involved in are difficult to control voluntarily. Therefore, it's difficult to fake a Duchenne smile unless you smile from within. You know the sign. You recognize true delight in a friend's face.

"No, please accept them," Jacob said, "for what a relief it is to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the smile of God!"
Gen 33:10


The other smile, called the Pan American smile (after the flight attendants in television ads for the now-defunct airline), is nothing but a courtesy smile as in the case of a flight attendant responding to a patron. It's an expression of courtesy and politeness rather than inner joy.

"Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart."

A true smile, which engages the muscles around the eyes as well as the muscles around the mouth.

You can work it in reverse. We smile when we're happy but we also become happy when we smile; it works both ways. The emotional response to endorphins is happiness which creates a smile, but the smile also creates endorphins. This lifting of our mood is wonderful for our health and well-being. It boosts our immune system and can even improve our posture.

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."

Here's a list of smiles that you can currently wear - for all ocassions. (Note: Your intent is very important when it comes to projecting the smile you wish to put on).

1. Sweet Smile

This is the smile that melts hearts. One look and you know you are done for! It is hard to say no to the request that usually accompanies it.


2. I am in Love Smile


You can’t mistake this smile from the rest. This smile exudes the energy of pure love and bliss. It need not be just a romantic smile. A smile for the love of your pet also qualifies!


3. Beautiful Smile
This is a smile that is Simply Breathtaking! It is a smile that causes others to skip a heartbeat and ECG reading to go haywire!


4. Happy Smile

Pure bliss! The I-am-so-in-paradise drooling smile.


5. Thoughtful Smile

Your eyes look glazed. There is no eye contact in this smile because you are thinking about sometime faraway: the longing for someone or the cherished memory of a past. You can still remember the joy and how it felt like. It is as if you are living the moment again; so you break out into this smile.


6. I-Know-It-All Smile


The hint of a smile. It is also one that you cultivate as you get older, wiser your mind filled with wonderful stories from your past. It is a smile that speaks volumes about the wisdom you’ve gained about life.


7. The Sparkle in The Eyes Smile

The eyes say it all. Sparkling with excitement and sheer joy. No words need to be communicated.


8. I-Am-The-Boss Smile

Wear this smile if these thoughts run through your head: Say what? I am the boss. Captain of the ship. Come humor me!


9. I-Feel-Lucky Smile

An almost embarassed look. The smile that says "I’m Lucky... Again!"


10. Amused Smile

Guess: who is the amused and not so amused?


11. Naughty Or Up-to-No-Good Smile

This is the smile that you would wear when you are embarassed for being caught red handed at something naugthy. This cute baby smile's classic and a dead giveaway!


You know this guy's got something up his sleeve... even if his mouth is almost covered.


12. Playful, Romantic Smile

Clue: look at the coin, closely.


13. Satisfied Smile


Baby Ethan: "I feel so contented!" Photos courtesy of Liza & Len's bundle of joy


14. Contented Smile

Someone's shot of his mum. Thank God for all mums!


This old lady was snapped in a Vietnamese market. She needed no invitation for some photos. Like all the people the photographer has met in Vietnam, she was really nice. The lines on her face speaks of character and the ravages of time.

This is a smile that needs to be distinguished from the satisfied smile. A satisfied smile is one for having felt joy derived from an external factor, whereas a contented smile comes from within. A contented smile reflects quiet serenity, a sense of peace and fufilment in everyday joys. It is a "In the Now" Smile.


15. Confident Smile


Wear this smile for any reason that you feel confident about. Even if it means showing off your braces!


16. Proud Smile


There is the hint of a smile that speaks of pride. Almost a smirk. A job well done. A smile that says, "I know what I am doing."


17. Sexy Smile

This smile needs some strategic positioning. It is to be projected at a 47-degree angle to the recipient, so that you are seen from your best side. You also need to tilt your head slightly downwards (for coyness) but with eyes glancing up (daring the recipient to come forward) and if you are female, fluttering your eyelashes with deliberate intent. Leaning your head on one of your hands denotes helplessness: That You Need to be Rescued Quickly!! Overall, there is a certain mystery to this smile.

~ SUNRAY SMILE ~
lovely song... dedicated specially to everyone who had a bad day and in desperate need of a smile =D


What a difference a sunray can make
in a world that's tired of the rain.
What a difference a smile can make
in a heart that's filled with pain.

(She had a) Sunray smile
Fairer then the spring or a rainbow
Sunray smile
Come to melt away the snow

The darkness of a shadow always flees
where ever a sunray is found
The darkness in a heart always leaves
when the glow of that smile is around

(She had a)
Sunray smile
Fairer then the spring or a rainbow
Sunray smile
Come to melt away all the snow.
In my heart today.

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day." ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You