Microexpressions I

Microexpressions are now on my lists of interests. More so than microexpressions, I'm interested in learning to read people. I work with liars. It'd be good to have a science behind me on pointing out bull. And giving me reason to sympathize instead of missing a person's sincerity. Below is one article on microexpressions, a general info bit that has interesting tid bits. Things I learned from it include (assuming his statements are accurate):
1. Hand movements are not microexpressions-- with his statement, I suspect he's also implying that hand movements cannot be used to determine true from non-truth. I don't know if his implication is correct.
2. Microexpressions only cover 7 emotions: anger, sadness, happiness, disgust, contempt, fear, and surprise. He says there is not one for guilt; I think Lie to Me leads one to believe that there is.

The Truth About Microexpressions

By Mike Murr

There has been a lot of talk lately about the idea of microexpressions. TV shows like Lie to Me and Psych include elements based on the concept of micro expressions. The problem is that a lot of the material out there is wrong. I wrote this post to help explain what microexpressions really are, and to help separate some of the fact from fiction that is floating around the web.

What are microexpressions?

First of all let’s get a proper understanding of what constitutes a micro expression.  A microexpression is a very brief (1/2 a second or less) facial expression of one of the seven basic emotions: anger, sadness, happiness, disgust, contempt, fear, and surprise.
There are a few key things to note:

• Micro expressions are facial expressions, not movements of the arms, legs, hands, etc.
• In this context micro refers to duration of the expression, not the degree of movement.
• Micro expressions are limited to the basic emotions. Basic emotions are emotions that have been scientifically demonstrated to be associated with specific facial expressions. ¹

The last bullet point represents a very common misconception. If someone tells you about a microexpression for something other than a basic emotion they are wrong. ² This means that there are no microexpressions for things such as guilt, scorn, disbelief, etc.

When do microexpressions occur?

Micro expressions can occur when a person attempts to conceal an emotion. This is true if the attempted concealment is intentional (suppression) or unintentional (repression). ³ In this sense microexpressions are a form of leakage. The microexpression “leaks” (reveals) information about the emotion the person is attempting to conceal.
A classic beginner’s mistake is to assume that people are constantly displaying microexpressions. The truth is that microexpressions occur much less frequently than most people realize. Here are a few of the reasons why:

• Many people who try to conceal emotions focus on what they are saying, not the movements of their faces (or bodies.)
• Microexpressions are more likely when our emotions are intense, such as in high stakes situations .
• Some people just don’t display microexpressions when they are concealing an emotion. Science hasn’t figured out why this is, but research has shown that roughly 50% of people don’t. ⁴

Finally don’t forget that facial expressions are an important part ofcommunication. ⁵ This means that the more you express with your face, the better you will communicate with other people. So it is often in our best interest to display, rather than to conceal our emotions.
For example the angry glaring look you got when you forgot flowers on Valentine’s Day — Trust me, there was no attempt to conceal. That facial expression was definitely meant as communication.

What do microexpressions mean?

When you see a microexpression all it means is that the person was likely trying to conceal an emotion, and failed to fully do so. By itself a microexpression doesn’t tell you much at all. Like any form of a nonverbal, you need to consider the context in which the microexpression occurred. The next section goes into more depth, although remember these three things:

1. Seeing a microexpression does not tell you who or what caused the emotion
2. Seeing a microexpression does not tell you who or what the emotion is directed at
3. Seeing a microexpression does not tell you what a person is thinking

Does a microexpression mean someone is lying?

This question represents the all-time biggest misconception about microexpressions. Here is the answer:

Microexpressions in and of themselves do not mean that someone is lying

A key thing to keep in mind is that microexpressions are about emotions, while lying is about the truthfulness of a statement. To see an example of how these can differ, assume a person is suspected of stealing money from the company safe. Here is part of an imaginary dialog:

• Interviewer: “Did you take the money?”
• Suspect: “I did not take the money from the safe!”

The classic beginner’s mistake at this point is to think “Aha! A microexpression of fear, the suspect must be afraid of getting caught. The suspect is guilty!” All the microexpression of fear tells you is that it is quite likely the suspect experienced some form of the emotion of fear. Remember: a microexpression does not tell you what someone was thinking. The suspect could easily be innocent and is afraid that no one will believe them. Maybe the suspect is having an affair with the office manager is afraid their “indiscretions” will be discovered.

How can I learn how to spot microexpressions?

Microexpression training is offered by Dr. Paul Ekman (METT) and Dr. David Matsutomoto (MiX). I’ve taken both sets of training, and have found them both to be effective.
The caveat with any microexpression training is that it is not a “checkbox”. Even one hour can make a big difference, but if you are serious about accurately reading the face, you need to practice on a regular basis.

Fingerprint: B8770AEA4CC8BBDFA8A07240C1BA0F78

Notes:

1. http://www.humintell.com/2010/06/the-seven-basic-emotions-do-you-know-them/ ↩
2. There is a difference between basic emotions and those that are universally experienced. ↩
3. http://www.paulekman.com/products/micros/ ↩
4. http://www.paulekman.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/December-2009-Newsletter.pdf ↩
5. http://www.humintell.com/2009/07/so-you-want-to-be-an-expert-1/ ↩

Related posts:

1. Three Mistakes People Make about the 7 Basic Emotions
2. Practical Examples of Deception Detection

The above article came from http://socialexploits.com/blog/microexpressions-explained/  This post was originally going to be about the degree of (in)sincerity I think President Barack Obama had when affirming same-sex marriage, but how I appreciate him saying it anyway. Obviously, I decided to go a different direction.

Seize the Day!

church in the desert

For years, I have struggled to find a spiritual body where I can grow and not feel condemnation from a mile away. The last place where I fully connected was Rock Bridge Christian Church in MO. In Mphs, I had a stint at Galloway UMC and then Prescott Baptist but neither place was quite where I needed to stay. I went back home (to Mphs) with hopes of First Congregational being the spot, but it just didn't "feel like home". Today, again, I have hope. Phoenix Christian Church in Wildersville, TN. It's 30 excruciating minutes from my house (I like things to be 15 minutes or less) but what other open and affirming church is there in West TN? I'm surprised to find this one-- and in Wildersville of all places! Population of 3600 according to city-data (2007). And, without asking any questions, I can tell that at least 1/2 of the adults there are lgbt. I suspect that it might be more like 90%. Taking this in and having a minister from Holy Trinity UCC in Memphis bringing the message today, I thought back to how I visited Holy Trinity but knew I didn't want to join because I didn't want to be at a "gay" church I still don't want to be a member of a gay church. Like with The Stone, I'd love to help Phoenix grow to be a church diverse  in age, race, sexual orientation, and gender (not that I ever did that with the Stone). But unlike when I was in Memphis, I have an even more radical call to be gay and Christian and involved and help others find that place. If the base work for that is a predominately gay church, so be it. Spread the news. Calling Lexington and Surrounding Areas-- our church is here. Our meeting spot is here. We can assemble, pray, plan, pray, and charge! I won't promise that I'll stay at this church forever and ever but boy george, do I plan to go back! I feel happy. And loved.

natural food tracking

I haven't given up my indulgences. I wonder if I can pick myelf up and go into the control stage then an official gluten test by the end of next week. This morning, I ate 2 individual cheese things with tortilla chips. I've gone a long while without my nachos. I felt fine then noticed a small odditity in my mouth where the teeth and gums meet. Also, it gave me a sore throat and made my throat sensitive to touch, unless that happened because of something else (sinuses?) Possible known triggers: corn & dairy. Dairy I know to be positive. Thankfully, it wasn't bad. The fact that I'm tired right now, well that's another story... ;)

I need to take my car to the shop but don't feel like it. I want to nap instead. I showered and dressed thinking it might help. Nope. But I need to go now so not to ask for help from a co-worker during the week. I was gonna see a doctor today but did I mention not feeling like leaving the house or doing anything (Sleepiness, not illness)? Mom thinks I should skip Physicians Quality Care, find a new PCP, and go there.

Oh my Gaud. Let me tell you the deal with my latest PCP. I called to request an appointment first of March. The first available was mid-April. She was FABulous on that day. She took a swab of this spot that appeared on my skin in late December. I called her office 2 weeks after my visit to inquire of the results; they didn't have them. I called them the following Friday and left a message for her nurse. Tuesday I left another message. The following week, a third. Nada. No communication on what is going on with my body and this freakin' spot itches and has been there for 4 months at that point and I'm freakin' tired of it. I wrote the PCP a letter to inform her of my concern and ask that someone call me. In my letter, I asked if I should continue to use the over the counter products I've been using for 2 months or if there's something she'd like to prescribe. No communication for her. Instead, I got a voicemail from K-mart stating it's important for me to pick up my medication ..... what? Yeah, she called in an antibiotic that I picked up yesterday. It would have been nice if her office called me, told me the results of the swab, and informed me of the prescription. It can kill me. It says not to take it unless nothing else will solve the problem. WTF? Is this my punishment for being an assertive, inquisitive, I give a fuck about my health patient? This warning comes at the TOP of the information sheet for the med, not under caution or side effect. I looked it up online to learn more about it. The site I visited has its warning at the top of the page in a yellow box. Is my skin spot really this crucial? Was there nothing to try between over the count and possibly lethal prescription? So, I take my 4 turquoise pills per day and pair it with probiotics since the danger has to do with nasty bacteria growing on my insides. And pray/hope. And wait. I need a new doctor....

A semi-medical tid bit: I had a 15 minute massage on Thursday and it didn't hurt! The process felt good; there was no after effect unless you count my increased notice of how my tight my shoulders were. I bought some snagmob deals for 25 minute massages. They are about to expire so I had to fit them in best I/they could. So, I scheduled a 5pm appointment knowing it would be hard to make even without knowing how far away this office is from my job (15 minutes, far by Jackson standards). I got there at 5:05, she gave me way too long to undress, esp since I tried to while she was standing there. 15 good minutes is what resulted. I go again Monday but will have a different massage therapist. We'll see.

more natural food tracking

First off, let me say that I haven't seen a Burger King option board in a minute. It was shocking.

Dinner: Whopper with lettuce, onion, mayo, mustard, ketchup; French Fries; Strawberry Milkshake (shall we discuss indulgence?)

After Effect: that thing in my mouth that affects the spot where my gums meet my teeth. Also that string in the mouth.

We know that dairy and nightshade plants are a bad thing. Gluten too?

Sadly, the food wasn't at all impressive. The burger was okay but not outstanding; it was the best out of the bunch :(.

diagnose me!

My symptoms:
*Frequent headaches accompanied by nausea for almost 2 weeks now. Symptoms come and go. Often appears after eating.
*Tonight, I ate a small bag of popcorn then the symptoms came. Now, eating things makes me seriously want o vomit, not just simple nausea-- I'm not gagging but I can't continue to eat. I can eat pickles. Drinking chicken broth seemed good for about 5 swallows.

prezent

green sheep

I'm sick of having this happen so often

unexpected food reaction

Headache. Nauseous. Not feeling like doing anything.

It came directly after dinner. Catfish fried in corn mill (with pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder).... ooh, I used seasoning salt instead of plain salt. Could that be the trigger?

I don't know WHAT it is but I know that it is. In addition to the headache and nausea, there's an unpleasant sensation in my mouth that I've had before but never been able to determine why. It's where the gums meet the teeth on the inside of the mouth. It feels similar to being stuck right there but that's far from an accurate description.

Corn is an obvious possible trigger. It may have been a mistake to go on this Mexican spree I'm on. Catfish beginning today-- more corn-- and planning to finish the week with nachos-- corn again.

Perhaps these reactions without intentional testing will eventually make sense to me if I faithfully record them. Tag!? Mystery reaction. lol.

SN: My house stinks, like fish. It was my first time frying catfish. It came out pretty well.

lab work

My red blood count is a little low. It's 4.12. It should be no less than 4.2. I can't donate blood. Again. What can  I do about that?

Instructions 

1. • Exercise regularly. Your body needs more oxygen when you exercise. Therefore, exercising on a regular basis sends messages to your body to increase red blood cell count. This allows your body to deliver a larger amount of oxygen during subsequent exercise sessions.
   • 2
     Make sure you consume proper levels of iron. Hemoglobin relies heavily on iron to help transport oxygen to your cells, so not having the proper iron levels decreases red blood cell count. Normal iron levels will vary according to age and sex.
   • 3. Consume the proper levels of Vitamin B-12 and folate. These compounds are important in the production of red blood cells. Thus, if you want to increase red blood cell count, you won't want to skimp on the fish and fortified breads. As with iron, proper vitamin B-12 and folate levels vary according to age and sex.
   • 4
     Train at higher altitudes. Oxygen is less abundant at higher altitudes, so your body's natural response is to increase the number of red blood cells. Doing this increases the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to your body's cells.
      From http://www.ehow.com/how_5416655_increase-red-blood-cell-count.html
     
     Lack of iron in the diet leads to iron deficiency anemia. Sources of iron include red meat, organ meat such as kidney and livers, beans, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, dried prunes, dried raisins and egg yolks, according to MedlinePlus.
     
     

     
     

     Iron-Rich Foods

     Iron is a mineral needed by the body to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps carry and store oxygen in the body. Lack of iron in the diet leads to iron deficiency anemia. Sources of iron include red meat, organ meat such as kidney and livers, beans, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, dried prunes, dried raisins and egg yolks, according to MedlinePlus.

     Folic Acid-Rich Foods

     Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a B-complex vitamin that helps the body make new healthy red blood cells. Patients with low levels of folic acid often develop anemia. Patients can increase red blood cells in the body by consuming foods rich in folic acid. Examples of foods with high amounts of folic acid include enriched breads and cereals, green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, dried beans, peas and nuts.

     Vitamin B-12-Rich Foods

     Vitamin B-12 is a B-complex vitamin that is important for the DNA synthesis and production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Low levels of B-12 lead to abnormal cell division in the bone marrow that results in large immature red blood cells known as megaloblasts. Patients with megaloblasts suffer from megaloblastic anemia because the abnormal red blood cells cannot store or transport oxygen to tissues. Vitamin B-12 is naturally found in a wide variety of animal foods and is added to some fortified foods. Sources of vitamin B-12 include beef liver, fish, red meat, eggs, milk, dairy products, fortified breakfast cereals and nutritional yeasts.

     
     

     
     Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/349946-foods-to-eat-to-increase-red-blood-cells/#ixzz1tZZQ02V9

     
     

Well, I take a b complex daily for adrenal fatigue. I have some B12....

I like red meat,beans, lentils, dried prunes (with cream cheese. dairy!), dried (?) raisins, and egg yolks. I can eat them. However, I'm trying to eat a few less egg yolks because of cholesterol. I also like nuts.

I will exercise (aerobic) more.

The foods listed that are removed from my diet during allergen elimination stand out to me. But I was not practicing the diet when I did this lab work.

I used to take iron but couldn't remember why so I decreased my consumption, then I stopped (ran out). Perhaps I should again take an iron pill or two per week.... or not. My face frowns when I think of that. Too many pills. Plus the doctor hasn't contacted me about being concerned about my labs.

My next slightly low reading-- chlorine. What is that??

A chloride test measures the level of chloride in your blood or urine. Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of your body fluids. Most of the chloride in your body comes from the salt (sodium chloride) you eat.

Why It Is Done

A test for chloride may be done to:

• Check your chloride level if you are having symptoms such as muscle twitching or spasms, breathing problems, weakness, or confusion.
• Find out whether you have kidney or adrenal gland problems.
• Help find the cause for high blood pH. A condition called metabolic alkalosis can be caused by a loss of acid from your body (for example, from a loss of electrolytes through prolonged vomiting or diarrhea). You may also have metabolic alkalosis if your body loses too much sodium or you eat too much baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

Dag. Another symptom of having kidney problems. I reject that notion... or maybe I just weep at the thought. That being said, we know I have adrenal problems adrenal failure). I'll accept the low reading as being just that. I got a 95 with "98" being the low normal.

Also, it's an electrolyte, much like potassium, which I'm consistently low in (if unmedicated).

From http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/chloride-cl

Hypochloremia (Low Chloride)

What Is Hypochloremia?
Hypochloremia is an electrolyte imbalance and is indicated by a low level of chloride in the blood.  The normal adult value for chloride is 97-107 mEq/L.
Chloride in your blood is an important electrolyte and works to ensure that your body's metabolism is working correctly. Your kidneys control the levels of chloride in your blood. Therefore, when there is a disturbance in your blood chloride levels, it is often related to your kidneys.  Chloride helps the acid and base balance in the body.
What Are Some Symptoms of Hypochloremia?
Causes of hypochloremia may include:

• Loss of body fluids from prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high fevers.
• Drugs such as: bicarbonate, corticosteroids, diuretics, and laxatives.

What Are Some Symptoms of Hypochloremia To Look For?

• Many people do not notice any symptoms, unless they are experiencing very high or very low levels of chloride in their blood.
• Dehydration, fluid loss, or high levels of blood sodium may be noted.
• You may be experiencing other forms of fluid loss, such as diarrhea, or vomiting.

Things You Can Do If Your Blood Test Results Indicate Hypochloremia :

• Make sure you tell your doctor, as well as all healthcare providers, about any other medications you are taking (including over-the-counter, vitamins, or herbal remedies).  Do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin unless your healthcare provider permits this.
• Remind your doctor or healthcare provider if you have a history of diabetes, liver, kidney, or heart disease. 
• Keep yourself well hydrated. Drink two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can cause you to have electrolyte disturbances.

http://www.chemocare.com/managing/hypochloremia-low-chloride.asp


Kind of interesting that my doctor's office didn't mail me information about these things, yeah? Maybe I'm close enough to range that they weren't going to mention it. I know the results because I requested a copy of my lab results. There are more areas out of range but this is enough for tonight.