When we feel physically or psychologically threatened, we express fear. Fear is a basic human emotion that triggers a specific facial expression, which can sometimes be confused with surprise due to certain similarities. However, there are distinct differences between the facial expressions of fear and surprise that can help us distinguish between them.

Let's break down the differences between these two expressions:

• Fear:
  • The eyebrows are raised and pulled together, creating wrinkles on the forehead.
  • The eyes are wide open, but the upper eyelids are raised, and the lower eyelids are tense.
  • The mouth is often open, but it tends to be stretched sideways rather than just open.
• Surprise:
  • The eyebrows are raised, but not pulled together, so the forehead may be smooth.
  • The eyes are wide open, with both the upper and lower eyelids relaxed.
  • The mouth is typically open, but it remains relaxed and not stretched sideways.

Understanding these subtle differences can help us better interpret emotions in others and improve our communication skills. It's important to pay attention to the context and the overall body language to accurately assess whether someone is experiencing fear or surprise.