The Outline of the Mouth

The straight mouth, which when closed has the appearance of a mere slit across the face, the lips being thin and inconspicuous, expresses firmness, precision, organizing ability and industry. When this feature is associated with small eyes it indicates a narrow-minded, vindictive and selfish individual.

When a straight mouth is accompanied by full lips, severity is reduced and sentiment, fair-mindedness and generosity are evidenced.

The Curving Mouth

A curving mouth that has upturned corners denotes good nature, merriment, generosity and kindred traits. If the mouth, when the features are in repose, curves upward at the sides only to the slightest degree, it suggests a happy disposition and sociability. Smiles, laughter and pleasantry, when habitual, cause the corners of the mouth to turn upward until by repetition they permanently retain that position.

The mouth that curves downward at the sides like and inverted crescent bespeaks a serious, pessimistic character. Quarrelsomeness, jealousy and severity develop a downward slant to the sides of the mouth.

A mouth which is normally slightly open implies indecision of character, affection of the passive or receptive variety, kind-heartedness and a yielding disposition. It at times, however, is the result of stoppage of the nasal passages or of the growth of adenoids, which affects the health and consequently the character, causing depression and lack of endurance.

Children whose mouths are habitually open are seldom bright and deafness is likewise shown when the mouth is held partly open, a habit which results in a stolid, unintelligent look. In old age the mouth, owing to weakness of facial muscles, droops open, which indicates senility.

A tightly closed mouth denotes firmness, secretiveness, acquisitiveness and at times, harshness and cruelty. A mouth of this description which shows but little of the red portion of the lips accompanies an unsympathetic nature and lack of affection. When a person assumes a forceful expression, even temporarily, he closes his mouth tight, which is a sign of decision and will power.

Oral Self-Expression

The indicator for oral self-expression is the existence of pronounced lines that extend from the corners of the nostrils down to the corners of the mouth. A person with very visible lines grades high in oral expression.

When we see a person with pronounced self expression, we see someone who says what he or she means most of the time, carefully and exactly. Right or wrong, well expressed or awkwardly expressed, what this person says is what he or she means.