The Truth Behind our Facial Expressions

Recently, I had a zoom meeting with a potential business partner and was not only shocked at the tone of voice she used but her facial expressions so thought I would share this blog as thought this may help many...PS, maybe I should send it to her, what do you think?

The Truth Behind our Facial Expressions

Have you ever tried to hide your true feelings by putting up a poker face or telling a white lie? We have all been there, but did you know that our facial expressions can give us away? Whether we like it or not, our emotions are written all over our faces. This may sound scary at first, but understanding the signals our faces are sending can be an incredibly valuable tool in navigating life's challenges. In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into the science behind our facial expressions and explore how we can use this knowledge to improve communication, relationships, and overall well-being.

Facial expressions go beyond the obvious ones like smiling when we're happy or frowning when we're sad. Dozens of micro expressions happen in a fraction of a second, and they can reveal our true intentions even when we're trying to hide them. For example, a smirk can signal contempt, an eyebrow raise may indicate surprise and a wrinkled nose can show disgust. Being aware of these small but mighty signals can help us avoid misunderstandings or negative reactions from others.

Our body language, including facial expressions, is connected to our emotions and can also impact our mood. Studies have shown that changing our posture or facial expression can trigger changes in our brain chemistry, leading to a shift in our emotional state. For instance, if you're feeling anxious, deep breathing combined with softening the muscles in your face, especially around your eyes and jaw, can help you relax. Similarly, if you're feeling down, making an effort to smile, even fake ones, can activate the brain's reward centers and boost your mood.

Being able to read others' facial expressions can also help us connect with them and build stronger relationships. Research has shown that people who are skilled at detecting emotions in others, including subtle expressions, tend to have better social skills and higher levels of empathy. This doesn't mean we should become mind readers, but making an effort to pay attention and understand how others are feeling can improve communication and foster trust and intimacy.

Finally, being aware of our own facial expressions and what they reveal can help us gain insight into our own emotions and triggers. For instance, if you notice that you're often biting your lip when you're nervous, you can use this as a signal to take a deep breath and try to calm down. Similarly, if you tend to raise your voice or furrow your brow when you're upset, you can use this as a cue to take a break and reflect on what you're really feeling.

Facial expressions are like windows to our souls - they can reveal our true selves to others and to ourselves. By understanding how they work and how to interpret them, we can improve our communication, relationships, and emotional well-being. So next time you're in a difficult situation, or simply want to connect with others on a deeper level, remember to pay attention to the signals your face - and others' faces - are sending. You might be surprised at what you discover!

Cece Shatz, Doyenne of Relationships, Founder & Owner of www.GoingSoloNetwork.com and www.NEWStreamingNetwork.com. home of Going Bold, Going Solo and WGSN-DB Going Solo Network Radio, Podcasts and TV.