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A Chinese proverb says that the person who cannot smile should not set up shop. There are some proverbs which not only reflects the  pleasant but also the bitter truths of human world. Would you like to buy from a shopkeeper who is rude or loses his patience easily?

A long time ago I heard the adage that it takes something like 43 muscles to frown but only 17 muscles to smile, ergo, we should just smile because it's easier. many others I'm sure.

Supposedly it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown; ergo, you should smile. Happiness, it seems, is the lazy person's emotion.  It is time to put this platitude to rest. My apologies if this list seems obsessive, but we're going to settle this once and for all. Caveat: Deciding which of the 53 facial muscles are important in smiling or frowning is a bit arbitrary; many make only minor contributions, and depending on the intensity of the expression may not be involved at all. I've listed here the ones that are important, as corroborated by other sources.

Muscles involved in a "zygomatic" (i.e., genuine) smile:

ü  Zygomaticus major and minor. These muscles pull up the corners of the mouth. They're bilateral (one set on either side of the face). Total number of muscles: 4.

ü  Orbicularis oculi. One of these muscles encircles each eye and causes crinkling. Total: 2.

ü  Levator labii superioris. Pulls up corner of lip and nose. Bilateral. Total: 2.

ü  Levator anguli oris. Also helps elevate angle of mouth. Bilateral. Total: 2.

ü  Risorius. Pulls corner of mouth to the side. Bilateral. Total: 2.

Grand total for smiling: 12.

Principal muscles involved in a frown:

x Orbicularis oculi (again). Total: 2.

x Platysma. Pulls down lips and wrinkles skin of lower face. Bilateral (though joined at midline). Total: 2.

x Corrugator supercilii (bilateral) and procerus (unilateral). Furrow brow. Total: 3.

x Orbicularis oris. Encircles mouth; purses lips. Unilateral. Total: 1.

x Mentalis. Depresses lower lip. Unilateral. Total: 1.

x Depressor anguli oris. Pulls corner of mouth down. Bilateral. Total: 2.

Grand total for frowning: 11.

Despite the fact that smiling uses more muscles, it takes less effort than frowning; people tend to smile more frequently, so the relevant muscles are in better shape. You may feel this conclusion assumes a rosier view of the human condition than the facts warrant. Incidentally, a superficial, air host/ hostess smile requires little more than the two risorius muscles. So if your goal in expressing emotion is really to minimise effort, go for insincere. So why should you smile?

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away; but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day; you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful

Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.