Some people have smile lines or dimples, while others don’t, and the difference comes from genetics, facial structure, and lifestyle. Smile lines, or nasolabial folds, are creases from the nose to the mouth that “become deeper with age as skin loses elasticity.” Dimples, on the other hand, are caused by a variation in facial muscles and are usually inherited.
Dimples form from a split in the zygomaticus major muscle, pulling the skin inward. Smile lines can be deepened by sun exposure, smoking, or repeated expressions. People with fuller cheeks or stronger features often have more visible smile lines. Though sometimes linked with aging, they are also seen as signs of joy: “Smile lines, often called ‘laugh lines,’ are similarly viewed as marks of a life rich in emotion and connection.”
Across cultures, dimples are considered symbols of beauty or good luck. Both smile lines and dimples reflect individuality, heritage, and experience, and “should be embraced rather than viewed as flaws.”
Tongue piercings also carry cultural and personal meaning. Once used in Aztec and Mayan rituals, they are now seen as a form of self-expression. Proper care is important to avoid infections or dental issues.
After loss, some people sense a loved one’s presence. These experiences, shaped by emotion and timing, can bring peace, with intuition helping guide connection and healing.