A smile brightens up any room, and people who grin frequently usually have more friends and do better at school and at work. When we smile, we are perceived by others as being more at ease, attractive and in control, so it's no surprise that smiley people are approached and spoken to more often than someone with a serious face. Research from the British Dental Health Foundation showed that the act of smiling can actually make you feel and act happier. Dr. Nigel Carter, the foundation's CEO, said, "We have long been drawing attention to the fact that smiling increases happiness both in yourself and those around you, so it is good to receive the backing of this scientific research. A healthy smile can improve your confidence, help you make friends and help you to succeed in your career."
Smiling is genuinely contagious, so when we smile at work, our colleagues and those we serve tend to smile back and feel chirpier around us. Perhaps that explains why we give waiters and waitresses who smile bigger tips!