Why Americans Smile So Much - The Atlantic - May 3, 2017 - Olga Khazan

This quote was added by betty_d
There's an interesting line of research that helps explain outliers on the other end of the spectrum, too: Americans and their stereotypically mega-watt smiles. It turns out that countries with lots of immigration have historically relied more on nonverbal communication. Thus, people there might smile more. So Americans smile a lot because our Swedish forefathers wanted to befriend their Italian neighbors, but they couldn't figure out how to pronounce buongiorno. Seems plausible.

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qweerty 4 years, 2 months ago
I wish Americans would smile with all immigrants instead of wanting them to leave :(
betty_d 5 years, 5 months ago
Damnit! My fellow countrymen aren't stepping up?! Give me names! I'll sort these jerks out!
weesin 5 years, 5 months ago
I've actually had quite the opposite experience with Americans whenever I've been forced to travel to the US for work. I would never think Americans smile too much - I wish my experience of Americans was different, but the ones I've encountered could not be accused of being the most welcoming, happy or friendly people

That being said, I have enjoyed my online interactions with you betty_d
betty_d 5 years, 5 months ago
Thanks @weesin. The whole article is really interesting. I know other countries make fun of Americans for smiling too much, but if you know the history and reasons behind it, I think it's actually pretty cool that we smile too much. That said, if someone doesn't smile at you, that doesn't mean they're rude or that something's wrong. Be polite, be respectful. But we don't always have to ingratiate ourselves for others to feel okay.
weesin 5 years, 5 months ago
Once again, great quote betty_d

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