Tolfioow: Is it really possible to infer a character from external features?
Tatjana Strobel: As long as you don’t just take one characteristic as a basis. That would be dangerous. It is always the entirety of a phenomenon from which we can at least derive tendencies. In addition to the face, voice and language also play a major role. You have to take your time and listen carefully.
So why should we bother with physiognomy at all?
It is about looking more closely and perceiving others. We don’t pay enough attention to those around us because we’re too busy with our own issues. Everyone wants to be seen and perceived as a unique individual.
What about facial features that I don’t particularly like about myself?
I always consciously point out the strengths, because there is no point in concentrating on the weaknesses. When we recognize what qualities lie behind a supposed flaw, we become friends with our appearance more easily. For example, wide-set eyes symbolize overview and foresight. People with narrow eyes pay more attention to detail, they are very focused on what is happening right in front of them. Or let’s take the example of the solid forehead wrinkles: They signal that the person takes things seriously, is concentrated and can listen.
Is it true that even our facial contours can change?
I experienced that myself. For a while, as a manager, I had to look after 600 employees and was constantly under pressure. During this time, my face became angular, the upper lip disappeared completely, the cheekbones stuck out, the angle of the eyes pointed downwards. Such changes can also be observed in celebrities. Robbie Williams looked much softer early in his career, with wide eyes and full lips. Today, his facial features appear harder and more distinctive.
Isn’t that also related to the aging process?
No! Then we would all develop in the same way. Our appearance is a mirror of the soul. If a woman loses 15 kilos, you will also see that on her face, in her more radiant eyes due to the increased self-confidence. Self love is very important. Everyone has tons of things they don’t like. But concentrating on supposed flaws reduces our quality of life. It is not the others who suffer from our appearance, but ourselves.
Can our emotional life affect our appearance?
The process of wrinkle formation in particular is closely related to our emotions. If I have the same facial expression several times a day, it gradually digs into my face.c
