We smile when we see our friends because smiling is a social signal that communicates positive emotion and intent.
Essentially, a smile serves as a visual cue to our friends, conveying a range of positive feelings. According to the reference, it's how we outwardly express happiness and pleasure at seeing them. When you feel good or pleased to see someone, that emotion manifests as a smile.
Here's a breakdown:
- Positive Emotion Communication: Smiling indicates that you're happy to see your friend. It's a non-verbal way of saying, "I'm glad you're here."
- Intent Signaling: A smile can also signal positive intentions. It conveys that you're approachable, friendly, and open to interaction.
Therefore, the act of smiling when we see our friends is an automatic and natural way to express our positive emotions and signal our friendly intentions.