"The American Smile" Church was once the primary social venue for Americans. In church, people mostly wore smiles. These Sunday services to worship God were usually for praising Him; one couldn't possibly praise Him while looking gloomy. Even if they had to fake it, they had to smile. Economically speaking, the poorer people were, the higher the proportion of religious people, and the more exaggerated their smiles were in social settings like church. But for the super-rich billionaires, such social smiles were unnecessary. Being billionaires, they didn't need to please ordinary people as much; they had the freedom to maintain a stern expression. However, things were different at Buddhist temples. Usually, people rarely wore exaggerated smiles, didn't greet unfamiliar worshippers enthusiastically, and there was no artificial "Wow, you look so good!" There were no hugs or kisses… People going to Buddhist temples were probably rarely there for social reasons. From religious settings to daily life, you'll find that Americans consider a smile a virtue. This makes tourists think they're genuinely happier, because they don't notice the fleeting, disheartening smiles that quickly fall from these cheerful Americans' faces the moment they turn away. That's human nature; forcing a smile, trying to appear cheerful to others, only makes oneself feel exhausted. As far as I know, many teachers have to drink several cups of coffee or take large doses of painkillers every morning just to be able to put on a smile for others. I know a divorced middle-aged high school teacher in Boston who buys painkillers by the case from Costco, like buying a case of instant noodles or a roll of toilet paper. They really go to great lengths to maintain a smile.