By Jennifer Angel

The Smile
Smiling is contagious, have you ever noticed this? Well just start smiling at strangers when you’re out and about and see what the result is. Walk along the street, give the next person who walks past you, male, female or child a huge big cheesy smile, and see what happens. Wow! It’s amazing…. They can’t help but return the smile; it truly is contagious, try it and see for yourself.

Apart from the eye contact, the smile is the next best way to connect with people. But it does more than connecting as it can say many things. A smile says hello I’m a friendly approachable person who likes YOU. It can also say I’m not judging you or rejecting you. It can say, you can trust me, or you are safe with me, or I understand you. It’s a very powerful form of communication. Have you ever thought of it that way? As you look around and become more aware of the people around you, you will realise that not many people indulge in the practice and art of smiling. Therefore, if you can master the art of smiling at people you will be a much sort after person.

It says so much; along with the eye contact, it is one of the strongest and most powerful and exciting non-verbal ways to communicate. It goes far beyond any form of written or learnt language. It’s totally spontaneous and is present mainly in children and people who have a positive outlook on life. It’s also a universal form of communication because all cultures and countries can understand it immediately. It’s an amazing way to communicate and it’s absolutely free.

Ok, there are all sorts of smiles and we’re going to concentrate on a few of them, which are critical for the flirting procedure.

The Grin
First let’s look at the grin. A grin can be a little self conscious, yes…… you are interested but you’re not totally sure. You’re not going to give too much of your self at this point. Don’t show any teeth at all with the grin, it’s purely just a grin and you should feel your mouth slightly upturn. If you don’t feel this upturn sensation then you’re not grinning enough, you’ll need to make more of an impact but don’t over do it.


Smile with Teeth
This is an advancement on the grin with a little of your teeth showing, however not too much of a smile. Yes, you are a bit more interested, and you’ve not quite made up your mind yet as to how you feel. It’s a bit coy, just a little bit shy and perhaps a touch vulnerable. Now don’t mistake vulnerable for weakness. The vulnerability here shows you are approachable and open for the opportunity or a suggestion of a next move. It shows that you’re not closed and are not about to reject them, but at no point have you lost your personal power.

Cheesy Full on Smile
Don’t hold back with this one, show all those pearly whites and give them your brightest I’m happy to see you smile. This smile can also be a little self-conscious as well, almost a bit embarrassed. Like I don’t really want to smile this widely. I’m not meaning to but clearly you have my attention and I can’t help it. Quite often, a blush can go along with a big cheesy smile if you truly are embarrassed and this is a big give away as to how you’re feeling and puts them right in the picture without any doubt that you like them.

When you smile you’re getting all sorts of positive benefits yourself. Think about it, it’s difficult to be angry and upset or stressful when you’re smiling. Smiling relaxes your facial muscles. If you smile from your heart, it can relax your whole body. It can make you feel more grateful and have a more positive outlook on life. The practise of smiling can even promote wellbeing, happiness and good fortune among others. Powerful stuff!

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