Smiling with your eyes-often called a "Duchenne smile"-is a powerful way to convey genuine warmth and friendliness. It involves more than just the mouth; it engages the muscles around your eyes to create an authentic, heartfelt expression.
How to Smile with Your Eyes
1. Relax Your Face
Start by relaxing your entire face. Avoid tension, especially around your forehead and jaw.
2. Think of Something Positive
Recall a happy memory, think of someone you love, or imagine a joyful moment. Genuine emotions naturally engage your eyes.
3. Slightly Squint Your Eyes
Gently narrow your eyes by contracting the orbicularis oculi muscles around them. This creates subtle crow’s feet at the corners of your eyes, a hallmark of a true smile.
4. Lift Your Cheeks
As you smile, raise your cheeks slightly. This helps deepen the expression around your eyes and enhances the warmth of your smile.
5. Combine with a Soft Smile
Pair your eye smile with a gentle smile of your lips. The combination makes the expression appear sincere and inviting.
6. Practice in Front of a Mirror
Try practicing your eye smile in front of a mirror to become more aware of how your eyes change when you feel genuine happiness.
Tips for a Natural Eye Smile
- Avoid forcing the expression; it’s most effective when it’s natural.
- Use your whole face to express emotion, not just your eyes.
- Remember that a true smile involves both the mouth and eyes working together.
By mastering the art of smiling with your eyes, you can communicate warmth, kindness, and authenticity even without words!
