Decoding his smile (2024)

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February 4, 2011 at 10:05am EST

It’s not just the eyes that can tell you about a man. You also can tell a lot from a guy’s smile. From a shy smile to a genuine smile to a laughing smile, we decode what his smile says about him.

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Closed smile

If he smiles with closed lips, showing no teeth or gums, you could have reason to worry. Maybe he is self-conscious about his teeth or breath. However, a closed mouth also can be considered a sign that he’s hiding something. Is he lying about something or just not showing you his true self? In terms of body language, closed lips could be seen as the equivalent of crossing his arms — he’s being guarded. If you get to know him (and he’s likeable and sincere) and he still doesn’t show a genuine, open mouth smile, maybe he just needs some toothpaste or mouthwash.

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Fake smile

We all know a fake smile when we see it. It’s usually accompanied by a fake laugh. The smile looks like a real smile — we even see a brief flash of teeth — however, you know by his eyes that this smile isn’t genuine. The guy with the fake smile is definitely hiding something. He’s thinking about something else. He’s plotting something. Or maybe, he’s just not that into you. Something is certainly going on with this guy that he’s not sharing with you.

Hesitant smile

You learned this smile early in childhood. When your parents had people over that you didn’t know, you gave a shy, watchful, hesitant smile out of courtesy then ran off to your room. With this smile, the flash of teeth only lasts a second or two, then it’s back to closed lips. If a guy gives you a quick flash of teeth, it doesn’t mean he’s not genuine. He is probably just a little shy or nervous. You should be seeing a real, honest, genuine smile as soon as he gets more comfortable.

Genuine smile

A man with a genuine smile is confident and strong. He isn’t self-conscious about his teeth, breath or much of anything else. When he’s smiling you see plenty of teeth and a sparkle in his eye. When you are on a first date if you see his genuine smile, this guy is likely to ask you out again. The genuine smiler is happy where he is — at this moment and in life in general.

Laughing smile

An extension of the genuine smile is the laughing smile. This open mouth smile is a sign that he’s having a good time and enjoying your company. The guy with the laughing smile is easygoing, comfortable and has a great sense of humor. He lets criticism roll off his back, doesn’t sweat the small stuff and has a terrific outlook on life.

Whether you are on a date, in a business meeting or on the street, check out the smiles on the men around you. His smile certainly could give you a little insight to his personality.