17 Types Of Smiles To Wear: A Guide For All Occasions

What happens when you feel the first instance of joy?

That’s right. You break out in a smile.

A smile is a facial expression with the upward contours at the ends of your mouth 🙂 Sometimes, it may not be mouth that is telling of a smile; it may just be that sparkle in your eyes! Hence, it is very possible to use a smile to communicate a thousand words.

Most smiles are happy signs. They speak of joy, happiness, love or even pride. However, there are smiles that can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, otherwise known as the grimace, or an expression of embarrassment in a sheepish sort of way.

Please also do not confuse a smile in a human with what seems like one in an animal. Animals baring their teeth – which you may mistake for a smile – is often used as a threat or warning display. In chimpanzees, rather than it being a sign for happiness, it can be a sign of fear.



I was most amused when I came across this statement found in Wikipedia: “Biologists believe the smile has evolved differently among species and especially among humans”. I just can’t imagine how a smile can look so different back in the days of my great grandma. So, for the purposes of record keeping, I am going to publish my glossary guide for smiles and declare it to be the most updated one at this point in time.

After 30 million years of human evolution, here is a list of smiles that you can currently wear – for all ocassions. (Note: Your intent is very important when it comes to projecting the smile you wish to put on).

1) Type of Smile Sweet Smile.

This is the smile that melts hearts. One look and you know you are done for!It is hard to say no to the request that accompanies it. I’ve been hijacked several times over this smile (see my elder daugther’s in the left picture)…Sigh!! (2) Type of Smile

I am in Love Smile. You can’t mistake this smile from the rest. This smile exudes the energy of pure love and bliss. It need not be just a romantic smile. A smile for the love of your pet also qualifies! (3) Type of Smile

Most Beautiful Smile. This is a smile that is Simply Breathtaking! It is a smile that causes others to skip a heartbeat! Hence, use it Sparingly, or ER will have to be alerted ! (4) Type of Smile

Happy Smile. This is a smile that reflects a happy and joyful heart. My younger daughter, who had previously been more of an introvert, is now very much in her element (see left picture)! (5) Type of Smile Thoughtful Smile. Your eyes look glazed. There is no eye contact in this smile because you are thinking about sometime faraway: the longing for someone or the cherished memory of a past. You can still remember the joy and how it felt like. It is as if you are living the moment again; so you break out into this smile. (5) Type of Smile

I know it all Smile. You have the hint of a smile. It is also one that you cultivate as you get older, your mind filled with wonderful stories from your past. It is a smile that speaks volumes about the wisdom you’ve gained about life. (6) Type of Smile The Sparkle in The Eyes Smile. The eyes say it all. Sparkling with excitement and sheer joy over an important discovery. No words need to be communicated. (7) Type of Smile I am the Boss Smile. Wear this smile if these thoughts run through your head: Say what??!!?? I am the boss. Come humor me! (8) Type of Smile

Lucky Smile.

An almost embarrassed look. The smile that says “I’m Lucky Again!” (9) Type of Smile

Amused Smile.

Make a guess: which is the amused and not so amused smile? (10) Type of Smile

Naughty Or Up-to-No-Good Smile.This is the smile that you would wear when you are embarrassed for being caught red handed at something naugthy. My younger daughter is very good with this! Her smile (see picture on the left) is classic and a dead giveaway! (11) Type of Smile

Satisfied Smile.Put on this smile after a most satisfying experience such as a delicious meal, connecting with a friend or beating the computer in a chess game. (12) Type of Smile Contented Smile. This is a smile that needs to be distinguished from the satisfied smile. A satisfied smile is one for having felt joy derived from an external factor, whereas a contented smile comes from within. A contented smile reflects quiet serenity, a sense of peace and fufilment in everyday joys. It is a “In the Now” Smile. (13) Type of Smile

Confident Smile. Wear this smile for any reason that you feel confident about. Even if it means showing off your braces! (14) Type of Smile Proud Smile. There is the hint of a smile that speaks of pride. A job well done. A Smile of Achievement. (15) Type of Smile

Sexy Smile.This smile needs some strategic positioning. It is to be projected at a 47-degree angle to the recipient, so that you are seen from your best side. You also need to tilt your head slightly downwards (for coyness) but with eyes glancing up (daring the recipient to come forward) and if you are female, fluttering your eyelashes with deliberate intent. Overall, there is a certain mystery to your smile. I know…it takes practice…..but I assure you it works…it was similar to the smile that snarled my husband!! (16) Type of Smile. Brave Smile. This is a smile that you put on when you want to brave through your challenges. It’s not a full-on smile but it’s certainly one of courage! Instead of fleeing, you decide to face the trial – head on! (17) Type of Smile The Me Smile. The picture on the left has been updated. The post that I was previously linking to had been moved. And so, for a replacement, I thought it will be nice to put a photo of myself.In the original post, I had pictures of everyone else but mine. With putting up a selfie, I’d like to acknowledge that I have come very far when it comes to self-love and acceptance. I am able to look in the mirror and love myself unconditionally. And so, if you have the Me Smile on too, it is the smile that is the window to your soul. It is authentic to who you are. You see the Me Smile in the mirror; without apology, criticism or rejection. Your smile is like no other! You nod to this: Simply Me!

My 7 Tips To Bring On The Smiles

Having difficulty with smiling? Here are my 7 tips to bring on your smiles 🙂

1. Munching Chocolates.

Chocolates can work wonders, since it contains alkaloids such as theobromine and phenethylamine, which have mood enhancing effects. I keep a stack of them in my fridge, out of sight from my sweet-toothed kids.

2. Playing with my kids.

My kids never fail to cheer me up. Of course, we have our fair share of trying moments. But mostly, their presence alone is great for bringing a smile to my face. There is something about them that makes me feel like squeezing and hugging them many times a day.

Here’s a piece of interesting research finding for you: Young children and toddlers laugh on average 300 times as compared to 15 times for an adult daily. Hence, if you want to be happy, then you should really be learning from the experts – children!! To them, life is just one happy event after another. And it should be the same for you too!

3. Walking In The Park.

Being close to nature is therapeutic. Just breathing in the fresh air, taking in the sights of swaying trees and feeling the gentle breeze does it for me! I always feel better after a walk in the park.

4. Listening to Music.

Only uplifting music makes the cut here. Now, don’t play the sad songs if you are trying to get over your broken relationship. Listening to them over and over again could make you feel a lot worse!

5. Watching A Comedy.

I know this tip works and will not hesitate to use it, if needed. My favourite shows used to be “Third Rock From The Sun”, “Friends”, “Seinfied” and “Mr Bean”. I would sit curled up in my favourite arm chair, eating chocolates and having a good laugh.

It’s funny how laughter can also help put things in perspective. Since these shows typically reveal how dysfunctional life can be, they earn top marks for helping you re-evaluate yours and throw your blues away.

6. Swimming.

Doing laps can be rejuvenating. The rush of water while swimming is a good mental relaxer. Of course, it does not have to be swimming for you. Just about any exercise activity that puts you in a better mood will do.

7. A Good Meditation Session.

This tip beats all the above 6 because it is about joy that arises from internally rather than from an external stimulus. What is to be noted is that joy on its own, may or may not arise during the meditative session. From my understanding of Buddhist teachings, neither do you attempt to seek joy while meditating. Simply Be in the Now while meditating.

Just being able to experience the sense of peace, above all the madness, is intrinstically uplifting. Inner peace comes when your mind settles and stays quiet, after all that frustration, despair and hopelessness over your troubles.

In the meditative state, you feel a shift towards light. A veil of peace overtakes you and you find yourself cheered up, after the sitting. In Time, with Enough Meditative Practice, You’d Be Wearing Smile #12 – Naturally!

Love and abundance always,

Photo Credits Flickr: thanks_for_the_memories, sukanto_debnath, juhansonin, adjourned, lady with dreams, luckytom, punkrocknausea, raylopez, ninjapoodles, topgold, anahitox, topgold, cadmanof50s.

P.S. Enjoyed reading this post? Bring on the smiles. Share this post with your friends on your favourite social media platforms. Thank you in advance 🙂