If You smile, She’ll Smile Back – The Power of Reflective Energy

People often ask me why I’m so happy or why I smile so much. Why I always greet people so happily. Well there is a very basic principle I’ve learned after both study of body language and observation of it.

                People tend to reflect the energy you give them.

It sounds crazy right? Not at all walk down the street and give everyone angry looks or looks of disgust then walk back down the very same street smiling big and genuine at them.

Make sure when you go to smile at them that you smile with your eyes, or give them the Duchenne smile. You will notice that people will look at you with disgust if you look at them with disgust, they will reflect your anger. This is my favorite part though they will reflect the type of smile you give.

If you smile at someone with a tight lip “polite” forced smile, you will receive the same tight lip “polite” forced smile. However if you give a big genuine warm smile they will light up and give you a big genuine smile in reflection of yours.

Paul Ekman proved facial expressions are universal, meaning a smile in Japan is a smile in USA, a smile in China is the same as Brazil, facial expressions are universal no matter where you are. It’s also been proven that the facial expression you send brings about that emotion, forcing a smile brings on a good feeling.

Example: Think up a very emotional experience (sad, scared, angry) and imagine going through it again.

I want you to again imagine going through it but before you do I want you to bite a pencil for 30 seconds and then begin to imagine it. You will have a hard time bringing back that same emotion because of your forced smile.

So back to the original question why do I smile so much? It makes me have a good day, it makes people who I interact with have a good day. There is a reflection of “happy” energy and because of this I always have a good day.

(It’s ME!)

My smile makes me appear more attractive, be more attractive, feel happier, and feel more attractive because I receive the same smile.

So remember when you are walking around everywhere angry wondering why people are giving you dirty looks, think about what your face must look like. They are reflecting your energy, you have the power to change it. Will some people be trapped in their own world and thus render your facial expression meaningless? Absolutely but rarely will this happen if you make eye contact.

I highly recommend you understand the power of reflective energy and use it to your advantage. It can make you more attractive, charismatic, and happier.

Peace and Love

Vic