Cognitive functions and smiles

random-esfp:

Recently I had sort of a dream regarding smiles and what they express. I am sure someone has done some research or has tried to find a correlation between how people smile and what MBTI type they are, but nevermind I wanted to share my messy thoughts with you.

I have always found smiles the stronger point of the human body, I don’t really know why but, to me, they can reflect how truly a person is, if you really know how to look into them. It is easy to fake a smile, obviously, but it’s just a matter of interpersonal intelligence to get when someone is being truly itself or not.

Whatever.

I have reached to the conclusion that there’s something similar among people with the same dominant cognitive function and the way they smile. Of course, the auxiliar function plays an important role too (specially if the dominant one is a Perceiving function -I have observed that “Thinkers” tend to smile more awkwardly and/or aggressively than “Feelers”, but it’s kind of a stupid observation, I’m not relying on it for now-).

So, since pictures/gifs will probably be more self-explanatory than my words, I’ll try to illustrate and match my thoughts with them as good as possible. Also, since fictional characters and kpop idols are the people I am most certain of their MBTI type (sad but true) I’m using idols’ gifs for this accurate theory. Just in sake of science. Take this as a DISCLAIMER ok

Fe - Comfort: this one was the one I dreamt of. I suddenly realized Fe smiles are so warming, it looks like they were hugging you and saying “it’s alright” but without the need of touching you at all. As long as they are honest smiles, they give the sensation of understanding and emotional control of the situation. They imply that there’s nothing to worry about. It feels like they’re so pleased with their lives and current situation, even though they may open the mouth a second later to say the opposite (if so). Their smile is the physical representation of paying attention to someone in order to make them feel better. They got this especial expression in the face that makes you feel at ease.

(Both are ESFJ)

Ne - Sunbeam: major key aspect to spot an ENxP: they ALWAYS smile widely in pictures or videos. It’s their nature. They probably have the brightest, purest and more innocent smiles. They irradiate contagious happiness and make you want to smile as well. Usually their smile suggest they’re very friendly and ready to have fun. They seem to have nothing to hide, they come across as people ready to be wide open to you, although nothing far from reality, (my experience says ENxPs are one of the most introvert and secretive types among the “extraverted” ones). You can see the energy in their eyes, and they’re also very quick changing their facial expressions, so it’s pretty normal for them to just burst into laughs a moment after.

(ENFP and ENTP)

Se - Charm: I bet you were expecting something like “seduction” or “sex-appeal” I don’t know, but nope. Those are all stereotypes. Actually, Se-dom smiles are usually very soft, but with an obvious glimpse of charm. Their eyes tend to catch the receptor’s whole attention, -maybe ESTPs are more “intimidating” than ESFP while doing it, so I’m not sure-. Also, I’ve seen some kind of mix between the friendly Ne and the gentle Fi smile (we’ll get there later). When it comes to smiling, Se doms are not as shy as IxFP may be, but neither are as open as ENxP (tho at laughing they probably are). They give the impression of knowing they have your attention and want to keep it and to make sure they look appealing -not in a romantic or sexual way- to everybody around them.

(Both are ESFP)

Te - Amiability: this is a difficult one. ExTJ are not as intimidating as it is said they are, but yet, their smile doesn’t suggest especial emotional connection or understanding. However, since them and their dominant function are branded as “aggressive”or “bossy” when they smile they tear down that stereotype. Te users usually smile with a clever look in the eyes, staring directly at you. They’re saying “I trust you, I like you enough to smile at you like this” -we’re talking always about honest behaviours, of course-. I’ve seen a lot of Te-doms smiling even more widely than ESxPs, and I don’t have a theory for this, I guess they’re not especially interested in coming across as fancy, and since they tend to smile “less”, when they do it it means they are willing to build a relationship with you and even to let you know more about their inner selves -this is: deep down they’re the softest-.

(ESTJ and ENTJ)

Fi - Softntess: let’s say it: INFP and ISFP usually have the softest and sweetest smile ever. Whether they are more or less shy doesn’t matter because their facial expression seems always kind of bashful. They always show a discreet smile that possibly turns into a big one; sometimes they even have what is called “eye-smile”: you almost see more happiness in their eyes than in their lips, However, the relevant thing is: seeing them smile at you means knowing you have connected with them at some level. You have their full understanding and probably their esteem as well. I think it’s not so easy for a stranger to make them smile comfortably, so you should feel very appreciated when your IXFP smiles at you.

(Both ISFP)



Ni - Relief: gathering gifs for this I’ve realized that Ni dom users tend to smile awkwardly (most INTJ) and shyly (most INFJ) 99% of the time, like, they don’t even get to show they theeh at all. So, seeing them half-laughing is probably more revealing since it is the result of a normally reserved and restrained person who finally has set himself/herself free. What I mean is: INxJs have often their heads in the clouds, they tend to overthink and overanalyse everything so they “don’t plan” to engage with the immediate atmosphere and just smile to come across as friendly or appealing (actually this especially goes for INTJs lmao). They seem to be always on the lookout or lost in their thoughts, so when they finally smile comfortably they’d probably laugh as well, finally connected to their outer world. Therefore, their facial expression is usually composed by an avoiding gaze (oh God why am I doing this) and a wide smile (oh my God I am really enjoying the moment). They seem relieved and maybe amazed about the situation or even about how they’re feeling at the moment.

(INTJ and INFJ)

Si - Engagement: it’s a weird word to describe it, I know, but It just came up to me. This is how I see ISxJs’ smiles: reserved but fulfilling. High Si users usually have a subtle expression which denotes gentleness -whatever ISTJs stereotypes may be-. Their smiles imply control and tidiness, or at least that’s what they seem to reflect. But I also see some sort of comfort, a different one from Fe users (well, in ISFJs that’s a little more difficult to explain) that’s why I thought about “engagement”. While Si users smile, then tend to make an especial eye-contact, between “I am delighted I’m this happy because of you/this” and “thank you”. This is some kind of commitment: “I’m not smiling just because, I’m smiling because I really feel it, I can’t find another way to express myself”.

(Both ISTJ)

Ti - Containment: okay if Ni users are awkward smiling Ti users are even worse. Forget about what you know about shyness-as-a-personality-trait and focus on IxTPs’ smiles because it’s practically the representation of bashfulness. They often avoid the gaze, and probably if you see one Ti user smiling non awkwardly it’s because they found something funny or interesting, not for politeness or the sake of being nice. However, even in the most comfortable atmosphere among friends or relatives, their smile has always a glimpse of containment. But, still, I find IxTPs’ smiles very warm and sweet, maybe because they’re the result of someone who tries but can’t hold back their emotions anymore. (Just a casual observation: I don’t know why this two guys bend forward while smiling. It’s like they have to express their feelings with the body too but I guess that doesn’t need to suit for most of IxTPs.)

(Both ISTP)