Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Subliminal expressions
It amazes me how subliminal expressions effect the way we feel and the way people respond to us. The book mentions that the most important thing you can take from a face is the emotion behind it. In return, we react a certain way to what emotion they're feeling. We may not realize we are reacting and that a certain expression is on our face, but it does occur. These reactions effect our moods and even our behaviors. For example, if you express happiness, even unknowingly, you are more likely to feel happy later on, and may even go out of your way to help somebody else to make them happy. If you express sadness, also unknowingly, you are more likely to feel sad later on and may cry or stay in your room and sleep. If you do not know an expression you are showing, how is it possible you can feel that way later on, and maybe even act in a way that shows that emotion? It is amazing how it works, and is really important information everyone should know. If someone encounters you with a problem, it is good to make them smile, because that should make them feel a little bit better throughout the day.
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I do believe in subliminal expressions, and the way you express yourself to others does in fact have an impact on them. What I always find interesting is that when I go to work, I often walk into my co workers complaining about their other half, their kids or paying bills which in my mind I find amusing. I always walk in with a smile, say good morning. It seems that they often resent the fact that I do not engage things that happen in my personal life. One day, one of the girls said, "aren't you ever in a bad mood"? I said no, everyday is a glorious one. Just the fact that I woke up to see another day, is good enough to be in a good mood.
ReplyDeleteWith my line of work, we are usually trying to help people that have a problem or some issue that needs to be resolved. My job is usually easier when I great them with a friendly smile and greeting of hello, even when I know that what I have to deal with may in fact be a nightmare. You cannot please everyone, but how you treat someone usually will have an impact on how they will treat you.
I certainly agree with you, eugene. I'm in customer service for the time being and i too go through something very similar. I don't help people out with their problems while at work, but my expressions, whether subliminal or not, are key ways for me to represent my employers and their business to get the customers to come back. I think if more people were made aware of what subliminal expressions can do, we would possibly see a change in overall initial mood and behavior. This knowledge about subliminal expressions should be a good reminder for all of us to remember how to deal with and treat people that we encounter every day.
DeleteSubliminal expressions really speak to me. I am normally a very cheerful person but after being in a car accident, I have a lot of pain on a daily basis. When I reach a higher level of discomfort or exhaustion, my facial expressions, tone, and body language become very standoffish and at times I appear to be really sad or even angry. It took a while for my family and even my friends to recognize this as me just being uncomfortable instead of upset or angry. I still get asked if I am upset or mad at times when this happens. I try to be aware of this but I can't actually help it when this happens. It is a bit frustrating because I know it must affect how others perceive me as well as affect the moods of others.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post.
Tara
Its really amazing how subliminal expressions can actually tell things about a person. I really like what Eugene said about how showing the outward appearance of being happy, you will ultimately feel happier. I also found that you can read a lot about what a person is thinking of doing or what they're thinking about. Many people don't know this, but facial expressions as well as the eyes themselves demonstrate TONS of underlying emotions. From being a criminal justice major and being raised in a military/ law enforcement family, I was always told to look someone in the eyes, but I always wondered why? That's just it! You use your eyes to view they're face in you peripheral vision and they're eyes as a reinforcement of that emotion. It also helps keep you out of danger in case people are going to attack you. Its not that well known, but if you've ever been in a fist fight, there always seems to be some form of "face" people make before becoming aggressive AND they usually look where they're planning to attack. By doing so they're telegraphing to you not only they're emotions/ intentions, but also what they plan to do with those intentions.
ReplyDeleteI can't agree enough about the idea of the fist fight, and knowing someones subliminal cues. There is always a look on the face and the eyes you can tell when someone is going to strike. Another cue is you will see their back muscles go up in an aggressive manner.
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