A microexpression is a very brief, involuntary facial expression humans make when experiencing an emotion. They usually last 0.5–4.0 seconds and cannot be faked.

How do our facial expressions influence our feelings? Research on the facial feedback effect shows that our facial expressions can trigger emotional feelings and signal our body to respond accordingly. We also mimic others’ expressions, which helps us empathize.

A commonly-held belief posits there are six basic emotions which are universally recognized and easily interpreted through specific facial expressions, regardless of language or culture. These are: happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise and disgust.

Anthropologist Dr. Paul Ekman says yes – facial expressions! He traveled the world studying emotions in other cultures and found that there are seven human facial expressions called microexpressions that are universally understood – happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, contempt, fear, & surprise.

How to Hide Your Emotions

1. Take a deep breath.
2. Don’t move your eyebrows.
3. Don’t put up a fake smile.
4. Relax your face.
5. Don’t support your head.
6. Stop fidgeting and refrain from constantly adjusting yourself.
7. Pause, think, and speak in a balanced tone.
8. Disassociate yourself from the situation.

5 Ways to Let Go of Past Hurts

1. Make the decision to let it go. Things don’t disappear on their own.
2. Express your pain — and your responsibility.
3. Stop being the victim and blaming others.
4. Focus on the present — the here and now — and joy.
5. Forgive them — and yourself.

It’s been theorized by many that people who are often viewed as “cold” or “heartless” might actually be protecting themselves from getting hurt emotionally. These feelings result in emotional pain. By being cold or heartless, people can avoid the risk of betrayal, and therefore the risk of emotional pain.

8 Effortless Steps to Warm Up Your Cold-Hearted Attitude

1. As Usher once famously said, pay attention to that body language.
2. Say Yes To The…..
3. Channel your inner cheerleading and get some E-N-T-H-U-S-I-A-S-M.
4. Vagueness is unappealing.
5. Don’t wait for someone to ask.
6. Take the initiative.
7. Take it in stride if someone cancels.
8. Don’t abandon your cold-hearted tendencies completely.