All of that fake smile detecting from the Crazy or at Work post a couple of weeks ago got us thinking about how much of what surrounds us everyday is fake. We scored pretty poorly on our spot the fake smile test and we’re blaming our performance on pop culture. What you say, biting the very hand that feeds us? Well, not the entire body of pop culture, just the photoshopped celebrities and soft focus close-ups.

Here is a clip from the recipient of our coveted award for Most Soft Focusiest Scenes in a Movie: Something’s Gotta Give- Starring Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Diane Keaton also happens to be our favorite comedic actress. When you watch this scene, keep in mind that the actors are in their 60s. Look at DK’s neck? It’s perfection. And you know she is all about the turtle necks off screen. What gives with the excessive soft focus? There is nothing wrong with looking her age, she is fabulous!

It’s no wonder we can’t tell the difference between a real smile and a fake smile when we’re surrounded by what are essentially fake representations of happiness and beauty every where we turn. In magazines, billboards, Television and film, altered images are inescapable. And so much of what we’re seeing sets up unrealistic expectations for ourselves and for others.

The always fascinating Dove Evolution of Beauty spot- What it takes to get there. If there’s a there there.

The even more interesting Making Of Dove Evolution of Beauty video. See what motivated the film makers and advertisers and learn about the technology is behind the piece.

Celebrities Without Makeup-Before and Afters- You will feel so smokin’ hot after watching this. Keep in mind a couple of the images aren’t the best examples. Using a photo of Melanie Griffin from Working Girl paired with a current day no makeup Melanie Griffin photo is not really a fair comparison but the video is still fascinating.

So we’re surrounded by all of these images of conventional physical beauty and depending on your levels of self-esteem and superficialness you may or may not be affected by them. But what if, despite your healthy state of mental well-being, you are affected. And what if you’re cruising through life making unconscious judgments about yourself and others based solely on levels of conventional physical beauty? Ew. There is plenty of research out there suggesting that humans do treat attractive people better than unattractive people. Are you kinder to yourself on days when you feel better about your appearance? Does a bad hair send you into the self-loathing marinade? We hope not. Repeat this phrase: I am beautiful. It’s true.

Ok, enough of that. Get back to work. Or, try this:

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