Microexpressions

While we were in DC last month, I spotted an interesting book in the gift shop of the US Spy Museum: "I Can Read You Like a Book," by Gregory Hartley and Maryann Karinch.  There were some ideas in this book that were highly amusing:

1) Latent symbols of information processing:

Eye movement signals that you are looking for answers inside your head. The visual cortex is at the back of the brain, so when recalling an image, your eyes will drift upward. The portions of the brain that process sound are located directly over the ears, so when recalling a melody or noise, your eyes will drift toward your ears, usually between the browridge and cheekbone.
Cognitive thought and problem solving occur in the frontal lobe in adults. When calculating or analyzing, you will find your eyes - and perhaps your whole head - moving down left.  A down-right movement corresponds to intense feelings.

I do this a lot. See if you can have a conversation with me (if it's an expository or work-related conversation) without me looking off into the distance at least once.

2) Wrinkling the nose in disgust is almost always a female gesture.

3) Origin of Smiles: In a chimp, a the baring of teeth means fear. It's an expression that communicates, "I'm weaker than you, don't hurt me." Smiles are meant to be disarming. I have no intention of causing harm. Put down your guard and everyone remains alive.