I'm going to post a few recent experiences of mine, which have highlighted to me that a really authentic smile can totally win over a woman (and conversely, it won't help to force a smile just because you read in PUA literature that you should).

I've only lately (the last couple months) begun to notice how well women pick up on truly authentic smiles. I'm a really friendly, extroverted guy. And I'm happy. So I smile a lot. But putting on an authentic smile on command is really difficult.

Yoga Studio Experience: I had just chatted with the front desk staff at my yoga studio, which had me smiling inside. They are cute and fun to chat with. So I'm strolling down the hallway to the shower room with my head down, when I look up and lock eyes with a cute HB7 walking towards me. My mental attitude was still really positive from the front desk exchange and I broke into a broad smile naturally. The HB7 did the same, and we held eyes until I walked past her. In subsequent weeks she started showing up in my classes, and when I eventually asked for her name she said "Finally! I thought you would never ask! I'm <HB7>".

Fashion Mall: I was escorting a family at a fashion mall in Los Angeles (volunteering), and I'm always in a good mood when I'm volunteering. The family is so thankful I'm with them, I feel pretty damn top-of-the-world. I'm chatting with the family when I look up and catch eyes with a woman exiting a fashion boutique. She's an HB7. I break into a broad smile naturally and she actually does a double-take and then smiles back. She even broke her stride! I caused her to stumble! Slightly =D That's pretty cool.

*Trader Joe's Food Shopping: * I was at Trader Joe's this morning, and an attractive woman (maybe low 40's) was browsing produce. She had on a really form-fitting, stunning dress (in a classy way). Sort of on autopilot, I walked up to the produce next to her, turned and told her and said, "I like your dress." I had a slight smile (coy?) when I said it, but it wasn't a broad genuine thing. She turned to me, beamed a smile and said "Thank you!" And that caused me to break into a broad, authentic smile. Pretty sure I made her morning (if not day!).

What have I learned lately from these exchanges? I've learned that an authentic smile is really effective. It can open up a woman instantly. I've also learned that for me personally, mental attitude goes a long way in getting that really authentic smile to come out. Figuring out how to find and hold that mental frame is my next task.