Which Is the “True” Smile? Psychologist and emotion researcher Paul Ekman demonstrates the difference between a fake smile (left) and the true smile (right). If you were able to pick out the true smile, it was because you, like most people, are able to decipher the subtle differences in the facial muscles, especially around the eyes and lips. In fact, research has found that people instinctively respond to true smiles with genuine smiles of their own. Polite smiles are more likely to elicit the same (Heerey & Crossley, 2013).

Paul Ekman, Ph.D./Paul Edman Group, LLC.