A study has just been published claiming that women are better at recognising faces than men. This prompted The Sunday Times to interview me regarding my views on this as a face reader. (See Sunday 27th June edition, main section, page 15)

The results of this study don't surprise me. Face reading is all about identifying and understanding the different emotions and feelings that someone is expressing – or hiding. Women, left-handed men and gay men – ie all those with a stronger sense of their more feminine, intuitive side – are more interested in interpreting and empathising with others' feelings. It's the stereotypical alpha-male type who struggles most, mainly because his priorities are ego-led ambition, earning and proving his prowess in all fields. This competitiveness and single-mindedness doesn't sit well with empathy, so alpha men are more likely to dismiss or ignore their partners' or employees' emotional states in favour of pursuing their own objectives.

I followed up this theme in a radio interview on Wednesday, talking about the archetypal City boy, among other subjects. You can listen again online until next Wednesday. See East Coast FM (Dublin), Wed 30th June, 11am slot, with Declan Meehan.

At first glance, David Cameron and Nick Clegg have quite similar attitudes. Both pride themselves on their analytical abilities, and are most comfortable when rationalising their way through arguments rather than passionately expressing themselves (large foreheads). They will be a match for each other on this level, with Cameron slightly more adept at thinking laterally.

Clegg doesn’t hide the signs of stress as well as his partner. He frets more (deeper creases on forehead) and probably has a more erratic appetite and diet than Cameron (horizontal lines on bridge of nose). This is probably partly because he is more pragmatic, even pessimistic than his counterpart (his mouth is naturally downturned), whereas Cameron likes to put a gloss on things, keep the mood upbeat. They’re both fairly shrewd, not giving much away, though Cameron will be prone to more emotional outbursts when exasperated by things not going his way. He is probably still learning how to be less emotionally sensitive and reactive, while Clegg is more comfortable keeping his most private emotions to himself, where possible. He may find himself playing the steady rationalist to Cameron’s more whimsical approach.

Nick Clegg is also more stubborn (upturned chin) – hence managing to persuade Cameron to agree to better representation of LibDem policies before he signed up to the coalition. Both are practical and organised, with Clegg paying more attention to detail. Interestingly, Clegg is more materialistic than the Tory, though both like their creature comforts.

Neither has much jaw definition, which doesn’t bode well for firm beliefs and decision-making, nor pushing through unpopular policies; they’re both better at negotiating, at working as a team, so we may not get a strong sense of Cameron fully leading. This is probably the weakest area when it comes to the creation of a stable government. There’s a good chance, without a clear leader-follower dynamic here that the government will unravel, as endless negotiations over policies takes precedence over clear-cut decisions. Even their eyebrows, with their lack of definition, reflect this slightly woolly approach that they have in common. A good, strong pair of eyebrows is needed for the right amount of forcefulness and follow-through as prime minister in such uncertain times.

They actually share similar ideals and values – more similar than Clegg and Brown, for sure. Their levels of ambition are evenly matched (similar noses). Both aged 43 as they come into office, Cameron had a slight advantage, according to his nose shape, over Clegg when it came to winning this election, and is a tad more ambitious. There’s a good chance he will go on to win a proper term for the Tories, depending on who he finds himself up against with the next Labour leader (watch this space). Though both are rationalists, Clegg is more of a worrier, and spends his time analysing his way through problems and dilemmas, taking a while to come to decisions, while Cameron is a bit more impetuous and emotional. A fair amount of fear drives Cameron, in particular – fear of failure so often underlies ambitiousness.

Clegg is secretly quite an attention-seeker (cleft in chin), so look out for moments when he quietly attempts to upstage his colleague. Cameron is more of a general showman – and he even has some long, “mad-scientist” eyebrows, so has some genuinely original ideas, as long as his ego doesn’t get the better of him.

Clegg is more comfortable taking risks (bigger ears) – another insight into how he managed to persuade Cameron to take on board LibDem policies before agreeing to a coalition with him. Yet neither are natural orators – they don’t speak from their hearts but from their minds, identifying in advance what is required of them and choosing their words accordingly. I don’t get a sense, from their faces, of either of them ever allowing themselves to show unbridled passion for what they believe in, which will make their leadership fairly insipid.

My main fear is that Cameron has a strong need to be popular, and will spend too much time trying to keep voters happy and avoiding implementing difficult policies – or perhaps putting a spin on unpalatable decisions, rather than baldly stating what he thinks is required. In this way, he plays well to the media-reliant modern world of politics. The baby face, which he is aware of having, shows someone who likes to please, who hasn’t quite grown up, who is not innately comfortable taking on major responsibility. Clegg isn’t actually much better, in this respect, except for his slightly firmer jaw and square chin. Both like to be liked and supported, and to be diplomatic, which in the current economic crisis are not qualities that will see Britain through to stability. This will probably be both their downfall, in the end. The parties may gradually internally combust under the strain of continuous negotiations, with the stronger opinions of stalwart backbenchers creating waves that will threaten any media-friendly front that the duo are trying to keep up. I would lay bets that another election will be demanded within a year. For what we really need now is a strong, far-seeing inspirational leader who dares to follow his gut instincts. Will we find these qualities in the face of the next Labour leader? See my next blog to find out.

Saffron

Part 2

Sisqo

Friendly, warm, personable, genuinely quite laid back, though he has an attitude too (but not like Sov’s). He’s more sensual, romantic and street hip – and very soulful underneath. He will smile and laugh a lot to keep people from spotting his real feelings. He’s not averse to arguments or strong discussions, however. Outspoken and could get quite forceful or abrasive if crossed. He will be relaxed and easygoing until he becomes irritated by someone’s attitude – then he’ll say what he feels. He’s quite direct and confident. He can even be quite cruel and sharp-tongued, though he won’t give away any fear or heart emotions easily. He’ll probably think Sov is nuts – trying too hard. A swagger about him may upset some of the blokes, though it’s quite puppyish/unthreatening really. The girls will quite like him – especially Nicola? Stephanie will be more watchful initially, gauging him, but also may flirt with him in a mumsy way.

He loves sex, and is very charming and likable and attractive. But he’s also quite chauvinistic or “traditional” – ie he won’t rush to do kitchen work. He may sit around a lot acting cool and not helping but being the “laidback” one of the group. He’s quite arrogant, so could get others’ backs up (unless his playfulness wins them over first). He is truly confident and happy in himself (I bet his mother loves him a lot, and he has a very supportive family and friends).

He’s game for the entertainment aspect of BB, and will be up for the challenges and tasks – as long as he doesn’t have to work too hard. He loves being centre of attention, so will be happy to sing for the others and do any “entertainment” tasks.

A good chance of surviving a few evictions, but probably not quite enough going for him to stay the course – not quite witty or rounded enough.

Dane Bowers

He’s quite challenging – would dare anyone to pick a fight with him, though he’s actually quite soft, and doesn’t really want to fight. He has a healthy ego, and is stubborn, and intense, with strong opinions, and is quite set in his beliefs, though this won’t come out for a while in the house; he’ll be secretly sizing people up first, and wanting to show them his more affable, friendly side – of which there is plenty. I can’t help thinking he’s going to end up having big arguments in the house, though. He’s quite straight; and could be quite cutting – his wit could quickly turn to sarcasm if he’s irritated. Actually, he’s fairly easily irritated, though he’ll try to hide this for a while – like most of the others, he wants to be seen as easygoing. He may end up saying what he thinks of other housemates early on and getting their backs up, though he isn’t actually comfortable upsetting others – he’s also highly sensitive himself, so there’s a bit of an internal conflict here! There’s fear behind his defensiveness. A lot of his perceived aggression (he gets into fights easily) is just bravado, hiding this sensitive, romantic guy.

He might secretly be looking for love in the house – and definitely likes being centre of attention, needing external validation; he wants himself and his views to be taken seriously. Good attention to detail, he’ll be watchful and observant, sometimes holding back and analysing the others while they’re talking.

He is very sexual and passionate, but his emotions around love are quite repressed, and his self-esteem fluctuates. He tries to keep a lid on his temper, but when it comes off, he can really rant! He doesn’t change his beliefs easily either. And he’s another one who keeps his real emotions – fear/upset – hidden under a macho exterior. He will definitely clash with Alex, even if it’s covertly.

He’s good-humoured, genial and good-tempered, so quite personable in the house, and he’s quite a good team-player, so will fit in with the lads on the whole, and be liked by the girls if he doesn’t show his macho, arrogant side. Down-to-earth, he will be nice and courteous with the women, which will stand him in good stead when it comes to voting (though he won’t be averse to talking dirty behind their backs). Shrewd and ambitious – coming into the BB house was a very calculated move.

Has a good chance of staying in the house til near the end – liked by housemates and the public, unless his aggression raises its head. Not enough personality or pizzazz and funkiness to win, though.

Heidi Fleiss

Her face screams surgery! This is someone who is not happy with herself, or very good at being true to herself – there’s a long-term pattern of laying herself on the line for others, of trying to be something she’s not to others. There’s a lot of grief and sorrow dragging her down – lost loves, lost times; things she hasn’t let go of. She wants love and sensuality in her life. She’s so sad! She’s going to end up looking alone and sad a lot in the house when she thinks no one’s watching. She hasn’t enjoyed life. There’s a part of her that’s trying to reclaim her youth – the part that is very fearful of old age and illness. She’s looking for ideals and values in her life because it feels empty; this is partly because she has such high standards for herself. She struggles with men – she doesn’t trust them easily, and will be very suspicious and wary under her apparently warm, easygoing nature.

There’s a toughness, though. She’s dynamic, and has a strong business mind. There’s a sense that she’s trying to make her life meaningful. She has forced herself to be and do what goes against her instinct too much. She’s dissatisfied; there’s deep unhappiness, depression. She’s very sensitive and emotional; not good at hiding her feelings. She has seen the darker side of life; she’s really suffered. She can be moody, and take things very personally (when not brushing them off coolly). And she’ll be a sombre note in the upbeat, superficial household. She could easily drag down the atmosphere with her moods, and will be confessional to win sympathy – because she has nothing left to hide.

She sometimes tries to act hard, but fails. She could be quite direct; for though she feels others’ pain deep down, she’s too busy feeling her own pain to be very interested in others’. She could be a good singer, if she would risk trying.

She’s out of her body; very detached, unconnected. This is a sign of past drug/alcohol abuse and/or emotional pain. She may not last long in the house because of the constant public scrutiny, even though she will start off acting fairly immune to this. She won’t make friends easily unless people feel sorry for her. She has a very heavy, troubled, addictive personality. But at least she’ll be a very honest presence in the house – housemates might like the fact that they know where they stand with her – no bullshit. She’ll be more consistent than most of the others. But she’ll be too downbeat and heavy a presence for some of the younger men to keep her voted in. And she won’t “try” enough for the audience to keep her in the house.

Jonas Altberg – DJ Basshunter

Provocative and intense; there’s a hidden manic quality that may surface, a slightly possessed air that may emerge in unconventional behaviour/words – which will belie his conventional-seeming look. He’s deeper than he seems: layers will be revealed as he becomes more comfortable in the house. He won’t mind telling others what he thinks, though he can be indecisive, and sit on the fence. He likes being the good guy, being fancied as the ideal man, so will make an effort to make people like him in the house, and even more so, the viewers. He’s very attached to his family, though won’t necessarily reveal this, and he’s quite a thinker – he has a good analytical mind, and has worked through a lot of life’s lessons. Practical and a good organiser.  He’s good with people, and will encourage others (a good mentor figure), so will be a nice housemate, whom people will warm to – unless put off by his provocative comments and strong views. He has a lot of willpower, so can stay the course if he chooses to. He’s quite macho, though, heralding more possible clashes with the other macho men in the house – later on. He may get on well with Stephen, and may have a rapport with Stephanie – she’ll perk up when she sees him – a handsome guy who doesn’t seem too young, with good manners… unless he’s provocative in front of her.

He’s naughty, playful, quite witty and fun – he may tease others, especially the younger girls, and doesn’t mind being teased himself. He’s actually quite stubborn, ambitious, driven and focused. When not confident about something, he’ll keep silent and watchful. He’ll observe and size everyone up a lot. Warm and friendly, he may like cooking.

There’s fear under the bravado. He’s out of his comfort zone here, but if he stays cool and doesn’t get into any clashes, he could last a while in the house. He’ll be initially amused by Sov, but would soon tire of her. Others will like him. He can be surprisingly combative when he chooses; he’s secretly very competitive, though won’t easily admit to this. There’s something a bit shifty about him – watch out for ulterior motives. His sheen will wear off fairly quickly, so he won’t be others’ favourite for long.

Katia Ivanova

All fiery and fun – the boys will all go for her at first. She’s attractive, sparkly, and will keep people dancing round her like moths around a flame. Bright-eyed, blonde, sweetness and light, but makes it hard for others to get behind the mask to her real feelings. She’s lighthearted and flirty, and will keep up this image until she’s exhausted herself. She likes seducing, and sex! She also likes everyone else to be upbeat around her too, and will avoid the downbeat ones like Heidi, keeping up the party mood til she flags. Intelligent, canny and ambitious,  she knows what she wants, but hides her intelligence and analytical nature behind her frivolity. Her real thoughts will come out a bit later, or will slip out unintentionally. She’s quite capable of bitching, gossiping and joining factions after the initial glitter has worn off, though will keep trying to come back to being reasonable and fair – she needs to be liked, so will try hard with housemates and on camera. (The ambition underneath means she will try hard to do what it takes to win, too.) When she’s tired, this mask will really slip, and her serious side could seem quite hard and dark. She can be bossy, but overlays it with charm; but she has a shy personality under the fun exterior – she’s actually quite guarded and doesn’t want people to see the real her.

Possible hidden addictions or issues with food. She likes to seem cute; seeks sympathy a lot, and will give it easily. She wants fame and lots of attention, though pretends not to care. She’ll be happy in the house, surrounded by people, until she’s tired, then she’ll start struggling with the cameras. She’s fearful behind the sparkly mask, and very wary – few will get really close to her in the house. She’ll find Sov too in-yer-face. Stephanie might take her under wing. Stephen might be drawn to her,  as will Alex and Jonas, but they would tire quickly if she doesn’t respond in kind.

She’ll stay in the house as long as her sweetness and fun mode lasts; then there won’t be enough reason to keep her voted in. The viewers will be less engaged by her, so may vote her out earlier.

Vinnie Jones

He’s soft and very fair and steady under that hard image. He’s very quick, with a sharp wit, which will come out a lot – he’ll make the others laugh a lot, especially the lads. He could become the ringleader for the blokes, and even the unelected house leader. He has a strong male presence with more force, clout, confidence and gravitas than anyone else (except perhaps Stephen and Stephanie). He’s in the house for a laugh. A risk-taker, he’ll take this experience in his stride and not be bothered by the tasks and challenges.

Resilient and with strong will power, he can hold his tongue when he chooses. And although he can be the “hard man”, he can also be very soft and understanding – he has real depth. He’s another attention-seeker, secretly seeking external validation; so there’ll be no shortage of contestants speaking up and getting their personalities across! His will outshine most others, though, because of his hard-won gravitas.

He’s a good friend; loyal. And he’ll stand by his beliefs – he’s not driven by the need to be so liked as most of the others. He’s in this for the fun, for the hell of it, which puts him in a strong position. He’ll be quite truthful and not buy into others’ bullshit. He wouldn’t even mind breaking down into tears (though this would be rare), as he can play it as an act when required to let out his emotions. He has nothing particularly to hide. Because he’s naturally very masculine, he’s more at ease with his feminine side than some of the younger men, which is another reason why they’ll be drawn to him as a leader.

He’s another one with lots of testosterone who loves sex. He’ll definitely eye up the girls – probably Katia or Nicola, though both would prove too young and naïve for him. He may even feel protective towards Nicola if he sees her struggling. The younger lads, especially Sisqo, will respect him. People will listen to him. He’s very reasonable, down-to-earth, practical. He’ll keep others calm and in their place, especially as they’ll sense – even if they don’t recognise him – that he has a big temper and is no-nonsense when he wants to be. He won’t be particularly sympathetic to those who whinge too much; he’s too pragmatic. He won’t buy into Heidi’s doom. 

He has the best chance of winning, unless he gets pissed off with the environment, or others’ neuroses, or the lack of privacy and pointless tasks, and then he could get abusive, loud, rude or abrasive and get housemates’ backs up – though he’ll try hard not to do this, as he wants to keep his fans (and win!). He’ll be respected both inside and outside the house, and will pull his weight, and be funny and witty and devil may care – and not get too involved with personal wrangles, which is why he’ll get the most votes all round. My odds-on favourite!

Do give me your feedback on how interesting/accurate you find these predictions - I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Thank you

Saffron

My special Celebrity Big Brother predictions for this new series, 2010

I have face-read all the contestants in the new series of Celebrity Big Brother – analysing them the moment their faces were revealed on television, before they even entered the house. All the information I have gleaned is from their faces: I knew nothing about them or their lives before. Here are my predictions of how their personalities, preferences and likability will unfold over the next few weeks. And my prediction of who will win.

Part 1

Stephen Baldwin

Keeps darker emotions – grief, fear and even anger, very private. Otherwise quite honest and direct – doesn’t mind telling others what he thinks of them. He can actually be quite cruel, though he tries to hide this behind wit and a sharp humour instead. He’s bold, a risk-taker (hence BB!), and doesn’t mind going out on a limb. He likes to be upbeat and funny but can also be belligerent or unshakable in his beliefs and views. Very practical. A good analytical mind – likes problem-solving. Hates bullshit in others. Quite guarded but pretends not to be. Quite hedonistic – likes women/sex/good food – and will go for what he wants. Friendly, good company – though he also needs a lot of space and privacy. Kind; he’ll be very supportive and a loyal friend, so others will warm to him. He’s a good listener to those he befriends – he has suffered too, and can feel others’ pain. May suffer from depression or like alcohol/have got into drugs in the past (battling family demons and issues of self-worth). That’s how he escapes/escaped (as well as through acting). Underlying anxieties – he’ll probably try to conceal these, because he feels he needs to be “manly”, though he’s actually quite soft.

Likable, affable, so a high chance of winning – unless his fixed views annoy housemates and viewers.

Nicola T

Quite assertive, and can be aggressive, though this probably won’t come out til later – because she’s hiding hurt and possible abuse in the past – her eyes say “love me”. She really wants to be liked and adored and fancied, so is prone to be taken advantage of. She probably finds it a bit of a strain keeping up a front (literally!).

She’ll probably get progressively more bitchy and gossipy, as she’ll be one of the insecure ones, wanting to gain friends and fans, and thinking you have to do that by isolating others. If she’s bitchy, it’ll be out of inner fear; she’s not a nasty person. She likes beauty and aesthetics, so will struggle if she doesn’t like her surroundings; quite high-maintenance. She feels strongly but isn’t comfortable expressing her emotions – she tries to analyse/get information about situations/people to distance herself. She may talk herself out of emotionally tricky situations. Strong opinions, but as she wants to be liked, she’ll spend more time trying to fit in. She’s secretly a bit of a princess, and is quite fragile, which will come out after a few days. She can be good fun, and loves a bit of sauciness/spice/naughty humour – and sex. Very attached to her family – she’ll miss them.

Curious, ambitious, opportunistic (hence entering BB). Steely ambition under the insecurity. She desperately wants to win to prove to herself and her detractors. She’s hoping she’s sexy enough to get lots of votes. But this won’t be enough for most housemates/viewers. She won’t last long.

Alex Reid

His protruding ears show he has selective hearing (will ignore orders from other housemates if he doesn’t want to follow them!). Masculine, macho – will want to keep up this image in the house, albeit overlaid with humour. He has lost loves/grief too, in his life, which he may reluctantly reveal. He’s assertive and quite aggressive (he may clash early on with other younger males, or even Stephen, wanting a testosterone-style fight). He can be quite emotional – and “punchy”. Ambitious, strong ego – so will clash quite quickly with those whose views oppose his. Physically strong; likes sex.

He has intense energy, though will ensure he controls his anger mostly, just being menacing when he wants to prove a point, though it he could suddenly let it out and shout. Deep emotions. Also tendency to desire altered states – getting out of himself. This may explain the cage-fighting – the adrenaline/endorphin rush. He has an addictive personality. He pushes himself to prove himself. He knows his strength, so tries not to be too combative. Feels quite superior – this will come out early on. Slightly smug.

He will be good fun with the boys, likes having a laugh, and to seem laid-back. Finds it hard expressing his soft side because he’s so rugged [hence cross-dressing – the only arena he really feels comfortable expressing it?]. Masculine and feminine sides of his personality aren’t fully integrated.

Female viewers will vote to keep him in for a while, as will housemates like Nicola T, but he doesn’t have a good chance of staying the course – too one-dimensional?

Stephanie Beacham

Stronger, more of a stayer, than she may look. Privately feels superior. She knows poise, grace and elegance, and will use these and a perfect exterior to hide her real feelings and reactions to her housemates. Charming, warm, sensual, fun, dynamic, proactive, she will be happy to take charge, especially in the kitchen, playing the senior/motherly role – as long as people don’t treat her as old or matronly! But there’s an edge – she wants respect and appreciation. She will get her way using feminine charm and grace (or try to). She may feel quite protective of vulnerable younger housemates like Nicola T.

She’ll probably try to keep her opinions to herself for as long as possible, as she’s sensitive and quite emotional herself.  She may even cry quite easily. She will want to make friends and join in – she will want people to see her as approachable… and definitely wants to be seen as attractive and sexy, so will probably make a beeline for some of the younger men and take them under her wing and subtly seduce them (or if she’s married, play this out on a more innocent level). There’s a yearning, wistful look in her eyes. She may be disappointed if BB doesn’t live up to her expectations as fun and revitalising for her career and celebrity status. She could get harsh if she becomes unhappy or feels trapped or bored, or if standards in the house are too sloppy – she’s high-maintenance and a tad precious. She’s not averse to bitching or manipulation if necessary, though will try to hide this from the viewers.

She could well leave the house early if it doesn’t fit what she expected – if too many of the housemates are too “common” or intellectually stimulating. Otherwise, has quite a good chance of winning because of her fame and elegance (if she doesn’t become too snooty or superior).

Lady Sovereign

There’s a lot of fear behind her antagonistic, provocative stance, which will become more obvious under the constant public scrutiny. She will be very defensive and/or ready for a fight, especially re her beliefs/values close to her heart. She has “attitude”.  She’s trying to prove something; it’s all a bit of an act, which will fall away quite quickly – then we’ll see more of a mixed personality, and probably quite a lot of personal confusion/mixed opinions. She’ll be less “hip/cool/hard”. Until then, housemates might find her quite annoying!

She’s playful and fun, though; a young spirit, up for a laugh; she likes to seem kooky and eccentric, and won’t want to act ordinary in the house. She’ll shy away from heavy discussions (underneath this is because she’ll be out of her depth). She’ll instead try to be the rebel/speak her mind to show she doesn’t care (though she does care a lot). She may go very quiet or sulk when she doesn’t get her own way, or feels intimidated, or if people don’t go along with her attitude – it’ll take the wind out of her sails. She’s an attention-seeker, which will wear thin with the others, especially the older ones (unless they feel protective).

She’s quite good at selling herself and getting on with others. She will try to get to know everyone – be outspoken – then decide who her real friends are. She may latch onto one or two people; she needs allies. She’s quite sceptical, wary, and gives only to those close. She’s very sensitive – especially to criticism.

She will seem quite young, inexperienced – especially to the older housemates – her act won’t last long. But she has plenty of energy and assertiveness and aggression – she’s ready to get into passionate discussions about things she cares about. Stephen will be bemused by her. Stephanie will steer clear of her (or take her under her wing if she allows her) – not keen on the aggressive, teenage-style energy and mentality. Sov pushes herself beyond her comfort zone a lot – but is not naturally suited to being a risk-taker.

She won’t last very long in the house, as her insecurities and her knowledge that she’s out of her depth most of the time will make her quite tricky to live with.

To be continued...

Where there's a Wu there's a Wei

Today, my friend and colleague Barefoot Doctor (www.barefootdoctorworld.com) borrowed a phrase I coined: "Where there's a Wu there's a Wei" for his Twitter page. Should I be indignant or flattered? Is this plagiarism or homage? On prompting, he attributed the quote to me in his next tweet. But even if he hadn't, it was a very Taoist moment. Nothing is sacred, nothing is truly original, and yet everything – every moment – is simultaneously original and different. "Possession" doesn't work. The more one tries to possess – be it money, relationships or quotations – the more these things slip through our fingers. We have to open our palms and let the bird be free to fly. If we try to grasp onto anything in this life, it will keep pulling away from us. That is the way of the Tao.

So I took this quote-borrowing as homage, as playfulness, as an understanding that Qi and ideas flow best when not possessed or policed. It's all part of the richer tapestry of life. Cling onto things, and the Qi becomes stagnant. Let them go, and they'll come back to you in another form, unexpectedly and powerfully. This is the magic of the Tao.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Both Angelina and Brad have incredibly strong jaws, so they’re well matched when it comes to having strong ethics and beliefs. But woe betide if they don’t agree with each other on something! Brad would probably have the upper hand because he can be cooler and harder in arguments (harder features), whereas Angelina would respond more emotionally to issues (large eyes and mouth). Brad has a very strong, clear gaze, so is grounded and focused – though he is also quite defensive (he holds his eyes narrowed). Angelina has more issues she’s working through at the moment; she is more wary, more easily hurt.

Family is very important to both of them; their generous mouths (especially Angelina’s) and firm jaws show a need for putting down roots and nurturing others. Their noses are quite similar too, which shows a good match when it comes to sharing ideals and views on life; this makes for a strong relationship. But Brad is more brooding, less decisive, than Angelina. She may have to cajole him when he’s angry or down. They both love people, and have a lot of friends (long eyebrows, broad faces), though Brad needs to ensure he doesn’t ride roughshod over Angelina’s stronger feelings. She’s more comfortable taking risks than Brad (she has larger ears). But both have a fear of getting old and infirm (lines coming up from under their chins) – having a large family is one way to try to appease that fear. If he can handle her strong and quite volatile emotions, and she can accept his darker moods, their marriage should thrive.

Face-reading celebrities - especially "power couples", and looking at how to spot potential health issues on the face

Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be looking at the prediction aspect of face reading, working out which high-profile celebrity couples have strong relationships, and which are struggling to stay together - and how you can tell this from their faces. Look out for my celeb blog on Brangelina, coming soon.

I'm also going to look at health issues, and help you spot where you and your loved ones might be storing up trouble, with unhealthy lifestyles or bad habits. If you catch these issues at seed level, you could live healthily and happily up to the age of 100!

Saffron