Reading the 7 Universal Emotions

Identifying Anger and Fear

Recognizing the seven universal emotions through facial micro-expressions is a key skill.

Anger is typically manifested by furrowed and drawn together eyebrows, tight or tense lips, and an intense gaze.

Fear, on the other hand, is characterized by raised and drawn together eyebrows, wide open eyes (showing more white than normal), and a slightly open or horizontally tense mouth.

Identifying these quick signs can alert to unverbalized tensions or worries.

Recognizing Sadness (Sadness) and Disgust (Disgust)

Sadness is often expressed by drooping eyelids, downturned corners of the lips (forming a frown at the mouth), and sometimes a slight tilt of the head or hunching of the shoulders.

Disgust (or disgust) is quite distinctive: it is characterized by a wrinkled nose, a raised upper lip, often showing the upper teeth, as if smelling something unpleasant.

Catching these expressions allows detecting discontent, disappointment or rejection.

Detection of Surprise, Contempt and Happiness

Surprise is distinguished by rounded, wide-open eyes, raised eyebrows and a dropped jaw, leaving the mouth open. It is similar to fear, but the dropped jaw is a key differentiator.

Contempt is unique in being an asymmetrical expression: it often manifests itself as a half-smile or a unilateral lifting of the corner of the lip, like a sneer.

Finally, genuine happiness is recognized by the genuine smile that involves not only the mouth (corners upward) but also the eyes, creating so-called "crow's feet" or "wisdom lines" around them. A smile only from the mouth may not be sincere.

Summary

Recognizing universal emotions is a key skill. Anger manifests with furrowed brows and tight lips, while fear shows eyebrows and wide eyes.

Sadness is expressed with drooping eyelids and downturned corners of the mouth. Disgust (disgust) is distinctive, characterized by a wrinkled nose and upturned upper lip.

Surprise shows round eyes and a dropped jaw. Contempt is asymmetrical, with a half smile. Genuine happiness involves both mouth and eyes.