Why do we smile?

[Fluffernutter]

You would think that in the natural world, showing your teeth would be a sign of aggression, not a sign of peace.

 

[Nimrod]

I dont show my teeth when i smile

And smiling isnt always a sign of peace

Maybe you're taking physical signs literally to literally

 

[ShoelessRye]

You would think that in the natural world, showing your teeth would be a sign of aggression, not a sign of peace.

Showing ones teeth is a sign of aggression, but one shows aggression out of fear of the other - so it's showing your fear of the other person "Hey man, I see you as a threat", and the person smiles back and everybody feels better. You don't smile at somebody; you don't show your teeth you are saying I don't fear you.

(Closed lip smiles are the same for this purpose)

 

[Mr Mojo Lane]

I smile because the women think I look sexy when I smile.

 

[Uptown Swinger]

It is human nature to smile even very young babies smile when they are happy they also frown when they are sad. Although not all smiles are natural it is natural for humans to smile when they are happy or in a positive reaction. Animals show their teeth when they are angry or threatened because their teeth is there go to weapon however for human our teeth is not our primary weapon. Our version of showing teeth is pretending to fill the room with uppercuts or picking up a rock or showing that we have a gun.

 

[moreorless87]

I dont show my teeth when i smile

And smiling isnt always a sign of peace

Maybe you're taking physical signs literally to literally

He's never going to become a stock leading man is he?

 

[Phlog]

You would think that in the natural world, showing your teeth would be a sign of aggression, not a sign of peace.

A smile with teeth is a micro aggressive expression. Smiling with mouth closed is least aggressive, showing teeth can just be a smile taken further. Smile with teeth showing and mouth parted is pure aggression.

Either the person is under attack or attacking. Attacks can be entirely social.

 

[IIIIIIII]

I dont show my teeth when i smile

And smiling isnt always a sign of peace

Maybe you're taking physical signs literally to literally

do you have fucked-up teeth?

 

[IIIIIIII]

I smile because the women think I look sexy when I smile.

i smile and show my teeth. but then i have perfect teeth, so they're worth showing lol.

 

[Nimrod]

do you have fucked-up teeth?

I dont have any teeth

 

[IIIIIIII]

I dont have any teeth

lol, makes sense then.

 

[Organic Damage]

Apparently the true "Duchenne" smile involves the corner of the eye and cheek muscles. I'm not sure if that is involved in the generic aggressive display of teeth.

 

[KBE6EKCTAH_CCP]

A smile with teeth is a micro aggressive expression. Smiling with mouth closed is least aggressive, showing teeth can just be a smile taken further. Smile with teeth showing and mouth parted is pure aggression.

Either the person is under attack or attacking. Attacks can be entirely social.

Damn you would hate it in the US.

They have this idea that the most teeth in smiles in like an achievement or something.

 

[Phlog]

Damn you would hate it in the US.

They have this idea that the most teeth in smiles in like an achievement or something.

Yeah, it's hyper competitive. I guess for them it's about showing you can afford good dental care also, a 'you look poor' effect.

 

[Phlog]

He's never going to become a stock leading man is he?

See that's an aggresive smile, eyes are cold. Forced for camera.

 

[DragRacer]

Maybe it’s different in the UK.
Perhaps they find smiling aggressive because their teeth look like rusty daggers.

Damn you would hate it in the US.

They have this idea that the most teeth in smiles in like an achievement or something.

 

[Lovestorm]

I'm English, so it's better if i don't smile. I spread my butt cheeks instead.

 

[My name is]

Fun fact, the tooth brush was invented in west Virginia.



If it was invented anywhere else it would be a teeth bush

 

[KBE6EKCTAH_CCP]

Maybe it’s different in the UK.
Perhaps they find smiling aggressive because their teeth look like rusty daggers.

Yeah but even with Colgate-perfect teeth you guys look retarded with that perma-fakesmile.

 

[Headkicktoleg]

A smile with teeth is a micro aggressive expression. Smiling with mouth closed is least aggressive, showing teeth can just be a smile taken further. Smile with teeth showing and mouth parted is pure aggression.

Either the person is under attack or attacking. Attacks can be entirely social.

you forgot the wide open mouth smile that is a sign of submission