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Why Does He Fake Smile?

Published in Nonverbal Communication 1 min read

He might fake smile because he wants to appear nice and be perceived as kind and likeable.

Understanding the Intent Behind Fake Smiles

Many times, a "fake smile" is not necessarily about deception, but rather about social niceties. According to Healthline, these smiles might be better described as "polite" smiles.

  • Desire to be Liked: He may be trying to create a positive impression and be seen as friendly.
  • Maintaining Social Harmony: The smile could be used to smooth over potentially awkward or tense situations.
  • Good Intentions: The intention behind the smile is generally positive; he wants others to see him as pleasant and approachable.

Polite vs. Genuine Smiles: A Key Difference

It's important to distinguish between a genuine smile (a Duchenne smile, which involves the eyes) and a polite, or "fake," smile. The polite smile is often a conscious effort to display pleasantness, regardless of actual feelings. He may fake smile for a variety of contextual reasons, rooted in social expectations.

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