Facial Features: Who to Avoid

Life has its ups and downs, and disappointments are inevitable. What’s most troubling, though, is getting involved with toxic friends and petty people. In truth, capable people don’t act petty; it’s usually those who lack ability who do. Understanding the different types of people you meet is crucial, especially for young folks new to networking. At the very least, they should have some knowledge of physiognomy so they can size people up early and avoid being undermined later. While the facial features below aren’t absolute indicators, people who have them are likely to be petty, to varying degrees. Don’t be overconfident and assume you can handle petty people, or naively believe there are no thieves in the world—thinking that way can lead to a fall.

The following facial features of petty individuals are listed in no particular order; they simply represent different expressions of pettiness.

1. Narrow forehead and short philtrum

If the space between the eyebrows is too narrow and the philtrum is short, the person tends to be narrow-minded and can’t stand seeing others succeed. Praise someone else’s hard work in front of them, and they may respond with cutting remarks. Such people often keep themselves extremely busy because they fear that delegating will let others take the credit, so they prefer to do everything themselves. If your boss has these features, be careful not to claim credit; even if the achievement is yours, it’s safer to give it to them to avoid future sabotage.

2. Small, tight mouth

People with very small, tight mouths—of any gender—often carry a strong sense of superiority. In their eyes, they are the only true nobles and talents. Others can do the menial work; they see themselves as above it and as the only ones who are truly gifted. If someone they consider beneath them outshines them, they’ll likely resort to underhanded tactics to bring that person down.

3. Prominent nose bridge and bulging eyes

Those with this look not only can’t stand others doing well, but also tend to hold grudges. If a beautiful woman is their roommate, they might tamper with her cosmetics to dull her looks. Around people like this, don’t lavish praise on others; focus on complimenting them instead. It may not help you, but at least it won’t put a target on your back. Be cautious with your words, and keep your distance if you can.

4. Broad face and long nose

Physiognomy says people with broad faces and long noses are often scheming and self-serving. They plot against others for personal gain and usually trip themselves up in the end.

5. Drooping eyes

People with drooping eyes are often of poor character and should be avoided. As the saying goes, “Better to keep company with a turtle than with someone with drooping eyes,” meaning they’re treacherous and ungrateful, quick to burn bridges after crossing them.

6. Protruding brow and deep-set eyes

Those with prominent brow bones and deep-set eyes tend to disregard family ties and are calculating by nature. People with especially fierce-looking eyes can harm others quietly, with boldness and malice.

7. No flesh on the cheeks

People with bony cheeks often lack integrity and are fickle in friendship. They’ll share good times, but when trouble hits, they disappear.

8. Deep and long philtrum

Individuals with a deep, long philtrum are often introverted and crafty. Be cautious around such colleagues—they may climb into leadership while quietly eliminating rivals.

9. Drooping nose tip and bony cheeks

A drooping nose tip suggests greed and chronic dissatisfaction. Such people are overly selfish and don’t understand giving. If they also have bony cheeks, they lack principles and will betray others for personal gain.

10. Horizontal flesh on the face with fierce eyes

Those whose facial flesh sits horizontally tend to be naturally cruel and bold, while people with fierce-looking eyes are often ruthless and ungrateful, repaying kindness with malice.

11. Pockmarked face with sparse beard

An uneven, pockmarked face combined with sparse facial hair points to someone who is scheming and cunning.