A Bow Cannot Be Bent with a Closed Mouth: Why You Should Avoid These Three Types of People

There's a saying, "The face reflects the heart," implying that a person's appearance is a true indicator of their inner self. Historically, people believed in "physiognomy," the idea that one's facial features could reveal their internal world. Essentially, a person's kind or stern expression could offer an initial assessment of their character and morality.

Our ancestors advised, "a person with a closed mouth and a bent bow should not be befriended," offering wisdom on how to perceive others and discern their character through facial features. The phrase goes on to say, "a face with no flesh on the cheeks and a big bent waist."

"Closed mouth and bent bow," along with "no flesh on the cheeks and a big bent waist," describe people whose facial features were considered undesirable by ancient standards, suggesting it’s wise to avoid these types of individuals. But why is there such a saying? Is it too absolute?

Avoid Befriending a Closed Mouth and Bent Bow

In facial features, the mouth is central. A beautifully shaped mouth is said to indicate a happy life, along with good fortune and support from benefactors. The thickness, size, shape, and color of the lips can all reflect a person's fate.

"Closed mouth and bent bow" clearly refers to individuals whose lips form a bow shape when their mouths are closed, suggesting they shouldn't be trusted or befriended.

Those with such mouth shapes often appear to have a perpetual half-smile, leaving a negative impression. Typically, the bow shape curves downward, and according to ancient beliefs, such individuals generally possess a more sinister personality.

Colloquially, this "bent bow mouth" is known as "carp mouth," accompanied by the saying, "carp mouth, two wells of water," indicating that people with this mouth shape often have troubled marriages. Men may tend to remarry, while women might find themselves in subsequent marriages.

Individuals with a "closed mouth and bent bow" often exhibit a pessimistic and negative personality, filled with complaints and calculations, frequently resorting to underhanded tactics behind others' backs.

More broadly, they are inclined to repay kindness with resentment and possess a strong desire for revenge, making them quite challenging to deal with. Therefore, it is wise to maintain a respectful distance from such people in life.

The Implications of No Flesh on the Cheeks and a Big Bent Waist

"No flesh on the cheeks" describes a face lacking fullness, resulting in a "cone-shaped" appearance. Such individuals often give off a sharp and bitter impression and are colloquially referred to as having "sharp-faced monkey cheeks."

Ancient beliefs held that such facial features often indicated a lack of integrity and loyalty. These individuals were thought to be opportunistic in difficult situations, lacking principles and boundaries in their actions. In simple terms, they might be willing to share in prosperity but not in adversity. While this view may seem extreme, such individuals do exist in real life.

"A big bent waist" refers to women with slender waists. In ancient society, if a woman had a thin waist and swayed her hips when walking, she was seen as flirtatious and potentially interested in pursuing others' husbands.

Thus, "a big bent waist" generally refers to individuals with ulterior motives and dubious intentions. They tend to be deceptive and quick to betray, prompting ancient wisdom to warn against forming friendships with them.

Conclusion

Judging a person's character or friendship potential based on facial features or body language is subjective, yet the saying "the face reflects the heart" holds some truth. In films and television, virtuous characters are often depicted with appealing features, while villains typically have sharp, monkey-like appearances that signify their villainy.

Everyone wants genuine friends who can support them in critical moments. It's wise to invest time in getting to know someone before deciding if they are worth befriending.

I hope everyone gains some understanding of physiognomy before forming friendships. Generally, people with pleasant facial features are often worth befriending, while those with "bent bow mouths," "no flesh on the cheeks," and "big bent waists" are usually deceitful characters to be avoided.