Faces | Filed under General
For just a minute I want you to stop and think about something important to each and everyone of us….our face. Have you ever stopped to think, we don’t have one face but many faces. No I have not lost it yet and you will understand it all very well in just a few minutes. Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have many faces and most of them are hidden from others (and some from ourselves).
We put on one face when we want to impress someone, another face with romance in mind, another face when we are angry, another face when we are sad, another face when we think we are in control of someone, and yet another face when in the presence of someone whom we think has some control over us.
In fact, we have an infinite number of faces. We always call forth the face we think best responds to a particular circumstance. This brings to mind one of Shakespeare’s quotations which said something to the effect that the whole world is a stage and we are but actors on it.
We mistakenly think we must use one face in a situation where we fear someone and another when in an encounter with a loved one. However, we even change the face we use with our loved one. Why do we feel we must do this? Can’t we always use the same face with our loved ones?
It is possible to correct a child, or even another adult, without scowling at them or menacing them. We think it shows we are serious when we use a scowling face when it in fact makes us look ridiculous. I know of nothing that cannot be done with a loving or caring face which will not be more effective than doing it with a scowling or menacing face.
Showing fear to someone who threatens us only further encourages them. When we show a face that is unconcerned with the threat, we diminish the threat. Bullies can only bully those who allow themselves to be bullied.
How much easier would it be to concentrate on the demeanor (face) which was most suitable for you and forget all the other faces. No more wondering which demeanor was best for a given situation. Just use the one you have found most suitable for all occasions.
None of this is to be taken as a reason to be disrespectful or unkind. You can wear a face for all occasions and greatly simplify your life. Look at the mental effort you expend in constantly changing your face (demeanor). This energy could be better used in facing the challenges of life.
True, it will take a great amount of time and effort to create your face for all occasions, but think of the benefits you will gain. No more wondering which face to use in a particular situation, donning that face and then having to replace it moments later because the circumstances have changed.
Search your mind and see how many different faces you use. Give it some serious thought and you will be utterly amazed at the vast variety of faces you have used throughout your life.
Until they learn differently (from observing others with whom they come in contact), very young children only use two faces. A happy, contented face and a face showing discomfort or pain. Perhaps we have much to learn from those we are trying to teach.
I have often wondered how a child would evolve if it were never exposed to adults. It is something to think about. How many faces do you have, what are the characteristics you would use to describe your face? My face is a true Friday’s child that of loving and giving.
Put your best face on and make certain Life Is Simply Good!
March 2nd, 2005 at 12:39 pm
I liked that. Reminds me of the saying, “You should always put your best face forward.” Interesting.
Yours is one of the best faces around. *HUGS*
Have a great day!!!
March 2nd, 2005 at 2:02 pm
Quite a timely post for my life these days. I thank-YOU for your wise words{as always!}. It is difficult to look in the mirror sometimes… I avoid them. Perhaps I should look more. I think my face has the shape of pain written on it, lately. I don’t think I realized it until I read your post. I will work on a change. “It” IS how we present ourselves to the world… the world is our mirror. BIG HUGs Back to you for this helpful post!
March 2nd, 2005 at 2:52 pm
My face is my best ally. It makes me appear more intelligent than I am.
((((((((((HUGS))))))))))
-G
March 2nd, 2005 at 2:55 pm
Haven’t been here in a while - love the new skin!
For me, it’s mostly automatic. If I want something, I use my sweet face and voice to cajole. Doesn’t matter if I’m at work or at home.
I’m an equal oppty face changer, I guess.
or 
March 2nd, 2005 at 4:08 pm
Love the new skin !!
I have always heard or was taught to put your best face forward !! *HUGS*
March 2nd, 2005 at 5:35 pm
A poker face might work.
March 2nd, 2005 at 6:39 pm
Hey girl lot of food for thought!
March 2nd, 2005 at 10:32 pm
Well I do admit that I try to keep a straight face…a poker face…but I can also be sweet and magnolia when I need to be!
March 2nd, 2005 at 11:08 pm
I hope the face my daughter sees is one of pride, because she is a wonderful kid. I am truly blessed. I hope she sees the smile on my face.
March 3rd, 2005 at 8:43 am
that we should always remain the same regardless of the situation that we are in, is to be honest to ourselves as well as everyone else. while this is an ideal, i have the feeling that sometimes this can cause more harm than good, sometimes you don’t want people to get hurt by what they see.
the world’s a stage, and we’re all acting. that is something that we can stop, stop pretending to be another; and learn to live with who/what you are.. presenting different faces, and accepting yourself are two very different things, which we often confuse.
point noted, but maybe some addendums are needed, to adapt it to the world we have formed for ourselves ?
March 3rd, 2005 at 10:52 am
I never thought about it before, but you are so right… especially about the children. I think that I need to practise putting a smile on my face more often. I think that I use that one the least. Way too serious for my own good.
March 3rd, 2005 at 1:40 pm
Very true post. We all tend to hide a good bit behind our faces and use them to our advantage! Especially involving children. LOL I’ve practically perfected my motherly scowl. LOL
March 3rd, 2005 at 2:54 pm
my face is my best weapon, it seems to move around more than most. It makes me very easy to read, so I suck at poker even if I know all the rules and lines down cold.
My friends say ot makes me likable so I’ll settle for that, nice subject !
March 3rd, 2005 at 4:49 pm
I found your site through Michelle, aka smoochdog.com. I absolutely love it. You writing is inspirational, and I am a girl that needs that right about now. So thank you!
March 3rd, 2005 at 7:20 pm
As hard as I try, I cannot control the expressions on my face! I mean, I REALLY do try. Maybe I do need to look in the mirror and practice! It’s funny, really, how you can “feel” your face change expressions. My mom always said she could read my mind by looking at my face. You’ve made an excellent point. The one thing I don’t like, however, is for someone to fake a smile - all you have to do is look into their eyes to know if it’s real or not.
P.S. Did I ever tell you about the so called friend I had many years ago who said to me “You are two faced, and sit on the prettiest one.”
March 3rd, 2005 at 11:01 pm
You always have the warmest things to say bud. XLNT post.
March 4th, 2005 at 2:41 am
hey, wazzabi? I just love saying that, I also wanted to pop over to say, Thank-you for stopping by my site and the link. Too cool, gal-friend. (no, I have only had three dringks occifer) lol, it’s late, I’m tired and can’t type well. I’m going to add ya to my links too,