Most Israelis believe that there's reason to smile despite the economic recession, the regional conflict and their personal problems, a new survey found.
The survey was conducted for Ynet by Market Watch Institute among 497 respondents.
Medical studies have repeatedly shown the numerous benefits of smiling, and indicated that it helps people feel better and reduces stress. It seems that Israelis agree with these findings and make an effort to implement them.
Refaeli. Most beautiful smile (Photo: AP)
According to the new poll, 68% of Israelis smile frequently. Most of the smilers belong to the religious (85%) and observant (72%) sectors, compared to seculars, among which 62% smile readily.
A regional comparison found that more Jerusalemites than residents of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area are frequent smilers (78% compared to 62%). Unsurprisingly, people with a higher-than-average income level proved to be more inclined to smiling than those with lower-than-average income (73% and 57% respectively).
The number one reason for smiling among Israelis was family: 40% of respondents said that family was the main thing to put a smile on their face.
Twenty-seven percent of Israelis mentioned humor or a good joke as the main reason for smiling, while 20% said that they usually smile in response to someone else smiling at them.
About 20% of respondents, mostly young men, believe that a smile could help them succeed in a date or in finding a romantic partner.
And which celebrities have the most beautiful smile? According to most respondents, super-model Bar Refaeli does. Actress Yael Abecassis was voted to have the second prettiest smile, while US President Barack Obama ranked third on the smile list.
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