This natural gesture, accessible to all, would make you appear warmer and more approachable from the first seconds of the exchange.
Making friends with new people is not easy for many of us. Between work, obligations, fatigue and, for some, shyness, it can be difficult to chat spontaneously. The trouble is, this situation can make it difficult to maintain the four friendships necessary to be happy. Luckily, there’s a simple, practical tip to immediately appear more approachable and likeable, and it can make all the difference according to communications expert Vanessa Van Edwards.
This habit allows you to immediately reduce a possible distance with your interlocutor, a distance which could be interpreted as disinterest. The reflex in question? “Laugh and smile easily”recommends the relationship specialist. Having the habit of smiling immediately sends a strong emotional signal to the person in front of you. “Studies have shown that seeing someone display a genuine smile makes us happier”continues the expert in a video. The smile is also described as contagious: it activates brain areas linked to pleasure and empathy in the observer. But be careful: an essential condition must be respected for smiling to truly make you likeable.
To be true. “Only genuine smiles are contagious”insists Vanessa Van Edwards. A forced smile fools no one: “If you look at a photo of someone with a forced smile, you won’t feel anything.” This mechanism has ancient roots : “In prehistoric times, if a stranger approached us, we wanted to know very quickly if he was friend or enemy”explains the specialist in a second video. A broad smile visible from afar signaled the absence of threat. Even today, this universal code reassures and brings people together.
But how to smile sincerely? The human body is programmed to detect emotional coherence, particularly in the upper face. “If you don’t see a real smile on the upper part of the face, it’s not a real smile.” The authentic smile brightens the eyes, mobilizes the muscles around the eyes and gives an immediate impression of warmth. Another tip: don’t be afraid to express emotions without restraint. When someone announces good news, for example, “don’t just say, “Ah yes, that’s great news!” Smile and laugh sincerely.”
This doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be happy all the time. Rather, it is about daring to express positive emotions when they arise, without excessive restraint. Being attentive to opportunities to rejoice with others, laughing at an anecdote, letting real shared pleasure shine through: these reactions create a climate of trust. Many other tips can help to get closer to others, sport is in particular an excellent vector of social connection to make friends as you get older. A sincere smile is a gateway, but sympathy is also nourished by listening, kindness and respect.
