Smiling Bloopers • Insincere smiling can backfire! {Different from a shy smile that just beckons a friendly "hello."} • Transitioning from a smile to a straight face, too quickly, may give others the impression that you are fake or do not like them. • Going overboard and smiling all the time, especially when it is inappropriate, will make you appear insincere. • If your mouth smiles, but your eyes don't, there is a disconnect that can make you appear less authentic and trustworthy.
Insincere smiling can lead to negative perceptions, particularly when it differs from a genuine, friendly smile. Rapidly shifting from a smile to a neutral expression may make others feel you are disingenuous or uninterested in them. Over-smiling, especially at inappropriate times, can also cause others to question your sincerity.
Furthermore, a smile that does not engage the eyes can create a disconnect, making you appear inauthentic and unreliable. This lack of alignment between facial expressions can harm interpersonal relationships and hinder effective communication, as highlighted in Susan C. Young's book, "The Art of Body Language."