Why Smiling with Your Mouth Closed is Completely Normal

It’s 2023, and the idea that smiling with your mouth closed is weird is nothing short of baffling. In reality, it’s a perfectly normal and widespread way of expressing joy and happiness, as depicted in one of the world's most famous artworks, the Mona Lisa Smile.

The Universal Smile

Smiling without showing your teeth is widespread not just in cultures but also among individuals. Celebrities like

Darude

and

Carly Rae Jepson

are known to have closed-mouth smiles, adding to the global acceptance of this expression. Whether you’re in France or Spain, the practice is quite common.

Geographical Differences

Regional variations in smile types can be stark. In the South of Southern Europe—Spain, France, and Italy—many people prefer to smile with their teeth. In contrast, in colder, northern regions such as Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Canada, it’s more common to see people smiling with their mouths closed. This cultural diversity in expression enriches our understanding of human behavior.

Cultural Specificities

The French, particularly those in the South, might seem more rigid in their expectations, which can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Living in various French cities like Marseille, Perpignan, and Avignon, I’ve witnessed a range of smile types. The notion that smiling with your mouth closed is weird stems from a limited perspective. It’s a southern trait that transcends age, gender, and ethnicity.

Facial Expressions and Moods

A genuine smile isn’t just about the mouth; it’s a holistic expression involving the eyes. The more genuine the smile, the more teeth are shown. However, sometimes a closed-mouth smile is equally expressive. It’s all about the mood and the situation. Have you ever noticed that cats also smile with their mouths closed? Do they really smile with their teeth?

Practicing your smile, whether closed-mouth or with teeth, is essential. Stand in front of a mirror or use your phone’s selfie mode to perfect your expression. Just remember to wear your mask when you go out in public, as people can still gauge your mood from behind a mask.

The Variety of Smiles

There are six standard smiley faces on most apps, each with a different expression. The last one is a smirking smile, while others show more genuine or closed-mouth smiles. This variety proves that not everyone smiles the same way. There’s a smile type for every mood and every face.

So, if you’ve been told that smiling with your mouth closed is weird, it’s time to correct that misconception. Embrace the diversity of smiles and enjoy expressing yourself authentically, whether with your teeth or not. Every smile, whether closed-mouth or with teeth, is a unique way of communicating joy and happiness.

Related Images and Examples

Here are some pictures of people who also smile with their mouths closed, showcasing the wide acceptance and normalcy of this smile type.