Yes, squinting slightly when you smile can make your smile look more genuine and engaging.
Smiling with your eyes, often referred to as the "Duchenne smile," involves the muscles around your eyes contracting, causing a slight squint. This subtle eye movement is a key component of a sincere smile and helps convey happiness and relaxation.
Here's a breakdown of why squinting helps and how to achieve it:
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Authenticity: Genuine smiles activate the orbicularis oculi muscle around the eyes, which naturally causes a slight squint or crinkling at the corners of your eyes. Trying to consciously squint can sometimes feel forced, so focus on genuinely feeling the emotion of happiness.
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Avoiding Overly Large Eyes: Smiling without engaging the muscles around your eyes can sometimes make your eyes appear larger and less natural, potentially making your smile look less authentic.
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Achieving the "Smize": Tyra Banks famously coined the term "smize" (smile with your eyes). It's about channeling your inner emotion and letting it radiate through your eyes, naturally leading to a slight squint. Think happy thoughts or focus on the reason you're smiling.
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Practice: Practice in front of a mirror. Don't just focus on your mouth; pay attention to what your eyes are doing. Try different levels of intensity and see what feels and looks most natural for you.
In summary, a slight squint is often a natural byproduct of a genuine smile and contributes to a more attractive and engaging expression. It indicates that the smile is authentic and that you are truly happy.
