Looking at yourself in the mirror

[walfin]

Do you like to look at the mirror?

Does it make you feel good, uncomfortable, or nothing?

I saw my reflection in the mirror just now, then I suddenly felt uncomfortable that I was looking at him, then I felt I shouldn't be feeling uncomfortable, then I felt uncomfortable that I felt so many things just from seeing myself in the mirror.

 

[intuitivet]

I generally don't look in the mirror apart from applying moisturiser after washing my face (I have to check I don't get it in my hair) and brushing my hair (or my parting can go weird). It doesn't make me hugely uncomfortable, I just have better things to do than look at myself.

 

[Melkor]

I somtimes spend longs peroids of time staring into my own eyes in an attempt to figure myself out.

I'm very dissatisfied with my appearance, and often I frighten myself by discovering the finer points of my physical manifestation.

 

[Words]

We can't avoid looking at this physical world.

---

I look at the mirror often to make sure of myself; a bit like an advisor to guide me in decisions.

 

[Puffy]

Haha I'm pretty used to seeing myself, my house is like a house of mirrors, they are everywhere. For some reason it gives me a degree of self-confidence.

 

[Crazythinker1]

Mirrors, to me, serve as a reminder. they remind me that I have a physical form, I exist and am solid, and that I am a participent and not meerly an observer of the world around me.

 

[Niavmai]

I somtimes spend longs peroids of time staring into my own eyes in an attempt to figure myself out.

I'm very dissatisfied with my appearance, and often I frighten myself by discovering the finer points of my physical manifestation.

I used to be the same way, then got tired of it and did something about it.

 

[s0nystyle]

I somtimes spend longs peroids of time staring into my own eyes in an attempt to figure myself out.

I'm very dissatisfied with my appearance, and often I frighten myself by discovering the finer points of my physical manifestation.

i hate it when i find my imperfections, they make me feel uncomfortable and ugly

 

[Paradroid]

I like looking at my own image.
When I stare at it long enough,the other half of my face(in the mirror) turns black.
How strange.

 

[Moocow]

I like staring at my nose in the mirror until my face starts to change and warp. Sometimes it gets pretty creepy, like my eyes will get really huge but the area around them turns black. Also I used to do experiments when I had a cat, by trying to get it to look at me or itself in the mirror... no matter what I did, it never would. If I held it right up close to the mirror it would look up or down or at me, but never the mirror.

Sometimes I just stare in the mirror to think about things. Literally, to reflect upon my life as it has existed so far. I think everyone should do that occasionally.

 

[intuitivet]

Mirrors, to me, serve as a reminder. they remind me that I have a physical form, I exist and am solid, and that I am a participent and not meerly an observer of the world around me.

Oh yeah! Like when you go to the cinema and realise halfway through that you can't feel your hair. It's damn freaky.

 

[warryer]

i hate it when i find my imperfections, they make me feel uncomfortable and ugly

By what measure? I find that I am perfectly imperfect.

 

[Mary]

I used to talk to myself when I was younger. I was convinced that the person in the reflection was from an alternate universe, kinda similar to Lewis Carrol's Through the Looking Glass but more science fiction than fantasy.

 

[asmit127]

I hate looking in the mirror as I hate the over-rated value that is placed on physical appearance by society, not because of any mystic ideas. I hate the physical side of it so much I'd rather live in ignorance of my part in it.

It's one of the things that I judge people on and I'm so jealous that I don't have the confidence or ability to pick a "style" (be it hair or dress sense) that I try really hard not to conform and make it known that I don't care. I wear t-shirts with bands I've not listened to in years, struggle to buy clothes and only get a haircut only when it gets annoyingly in my eyes. I even intentionally confused the hairdresser into making a mistake when I last went - hilarious! (though she didn't think so )

This same judging/inability to properly convey any part of myself in a visual way is the reason for my lack of an avatar...

 

[s0nystyle]

By what measure? I find that I am perfectly imperfect.

well before my GF in highschool broke up w/ me she used to make fun of me and call me "ugly" and always said she could do better, so it kind of scarred me . I have imperfect skin, im "too skinny", and not "hot enough" or so it seems

 

[BigApplePi]

Do you like to look at the mirror?

Does it make you feel good, uncomfortable, or nothing?

I saw my reflection in the mirror just now, then I suddenly felt uncomfortable that I was looking at him, then I felt I shouldn't be feeling uncomfortable, then I felt uncomfortable that I felt so many things just from seeing myself in the mirror.

When I look in the mirror I wish I could say, "Hail fellow, well met", but instead I react, "What are you looking at me for? You've seen this already. Been there, done that fool."

Other times I have to check out if I'm still the same I was before. I can't tell. Though I've seen many other faces many times, I've never seen my own but for this damn mirror. And who can trust a reflection like that?

 

[Moocow]

I hate looking in the mirror as I hate the over-rated value that is placed on physical appearance by society, not because of any mystic ideas. I hate the physical side of it so much I'd rather live in ignorance of my part in it.

It's one of the things that I judge people on and I'm so jealous that I don't have the confidence or ability to pick a "style" (be it hair or dress sense) that I try really hard not to conform and make it known that I don't care. I wear t-shirts with bands I've not listened to in years, struggle to buy clothes and only get a haircut only when it gets annoyingly in my eyes. I even intentionally confused the hairdresser into making a mistake when I last went - hilarious! (though she didn't think so )

This same judging/inability to properly convey any part of myself in a visual way is the reason for my lack of an avatar...

You've essentially allowed the values of society that you resent to control you in some way then.

 

[asmit127]

I know, but to go against it requires doing all the things I resent having to do. By just walking into a shop and buying a shirt I appear to conform to fashion as that's all that's available, and that is not me. Yet to actively go against fashion is to suggest that I value my individuality and want to invent my own style, which I don't care about doing.

I've been aware of this problem for years but (I'm the guy in the middle, running in a circle...)

 

[tashi]

There are certain mirrors that have a calming effect on me, and I can look into them quite comfortably. Like some of the rest of you, I look at it as a time of self-reflection (haha), to remind myself of the effect that our physical bodies have on the development of our minds. This usually only happens late during the night, when I'm so tired, I really don't have the energy to do anything that requires much physcial exursion (yet I cannot quiet my mind). During the day though, when I am more alert I really don't pay much attention to mirrors, though I don't avoid them.

 

[RedLoki]

It's one of the things that I judge people on and I'm so jealous that I don't have the confidence or ability to pick a "style" (be it hair or dress sense) that I try really hard not to conform and make it known that I don't care. I wear t-shirts with bands I've not listened to in years, struggle to buy clothes and only get a haircut only when it gets annoyingly in my eyes. I even intentionally confused the hairdresser into making a mistake when I last went - hilarious! (though she didn't think so )

I have the same problem, but not as much anymore. I don't care how I look and I wish I could just go outside wearing anything. But it doesn't matter if I don't care, because the only people looking at me aren't me. There's no way anyone can look into your mind and see that person before they look at you. You have to create a persona of how you want to be identified, Barney Stinson from HIMYM is a great example of this.

I somtimes spend longs peroids of time staring into my own eyes in an attempt to figure myself out.

I too have done this a lot. I also get as close as possible to the mirror and just stare at the finer details in my eyes.

I dread looking at the mirror.

I look at the mirror thinking, "is this really what people see?" I feel as if I have much more to offer to people than what I look like, but my looks are the first impression before opening my mouth. I try to look as best I can but it doesn't change the fact I'm really uncomfortable with how I look. I have a puncture scar on my lower right lip, a small piece missing on my upper mid left lip (although, only a scar is visible because of tissue thickening), another scar across my the left side of my nose, I broke my nose in grade 1 so it's a little off, little patches of acne that refuse to go away, ugh... I hate the way I look even though I've been told that I'm cute by many girls.

 

[Cavallier]

I use them to try to figure out if my facial expression convey my emotions well enough. This is how I discovered that my bored facial expression is often misconstrued as an angry facial expression. I also discovered that when I make a giant fake feeling grin it looks more open, friendly, and authentic then my normal grin.

 

[Sparrow]

I use them to try to figure out if my facial expression convey my emotions well enough. This is how I discovered that my bored facial expression is often misconstrued as an angry facial expression. I also discovered that when I make a giant fake feeling grin it looks more open, friendly, and authentic then my normal grin.

Same.

 

[walfin]

To all those people who like looking at their own eyes - it actually makes me uncomfortable.

 

[s0nystyle]

I use them to try to figure out if my facial expression convey my emotions well enough. This is how I discovered that my bored facial expression is often misconstrued as an angry facial expression.

i know all too well what you mean

 

[asmit127]

I don't care how I look and I wish I could just go outside wearing anything. But it doesn't matter if I don't care, because the only people looking at me aren't me. There's no way anyone can look into your mind and see that person before they look at you, Barney Stinson from HIMYM is a great example of this.

Exactly, like it or not how you are perceived is really important (much as I hate the fact) but no matter what you wear no-one will ever know your motivation and thus it will be misinterpreted. Who knows what many things will be interpreted as - I know I judge people at least partially based on the negative stereotypes presented in movies (so I quit watching them) but sadly this is often accurate. Maybe I should invent a range of shirts that attempt to convey our attitude - we cannot be alone.

I also discovered that when I make a giant fake feeling grin it looks more open, friendly, and authentic then my normal grin.

Smiles are all in the cheeks - if you can be bothered to move them it looks more genuine. My natural smile doesn't either so the best way to know if I'm tired is whether my smile looks genuine (I try to fake it everytime)

 

[Red Devil]

I look at the mirror thinking, "is this really what people see?" I feel as if I have much more to offer to people than what I look like, but my looks are the first impression before opening my mouth.

I know what you mean.

I'd try to dress well and look good but honestly most of the times I just can't be bothered. And even if I do make the effort to look good and present myself better, I'm bound to ruin the effort by opening my mouth since I'm not able to express myself well enough. Also I haven't yet figured out how to make my smile look genuine. Hmm, might have to spend sometime in front of the mirror practising...

 

[intuitivet]

From these comments all I can think is that INTPs are just floating brains.

 

[Jennywocky]

Do you like to look at the mirror?

Does it make you feel good, uncomfortable, or nothing?

I saw my reflection in the mirror just now, then I suddenly felt uncomfortable that I was looking at him, then I felt I shouldn't be feeling uncomfortable, then I felt uncomfortable that I felt so many things just from seeing myself in the mirror.

For years, I couldn't without feeling sick.
I just couldn't look.

Now I feel pretty good and can look at myself as much as I want.

I'm still a bit self-conscious, though.

It's sort of a weird thing to see oneself physically, esp if one is used to just existing within oneself as a mind. Similar too, to listening to your voice on tape... since you finally hear what other people hear when you speak.

 

[s0nystyle]

Being annoyed of your own voice is NEVER a good thing

 

[citrusbreath95]

I use them to try to figure out if my facial expression convey my emotions well enough. This is how I discovered that my bored facial expression is often misconstrued as an angry facial expression. I also discovered that when I make a giant fake feeling grin it looks more open, friendly, and authentic then my normal grin.

I do this as well sometimes. Actually, I'll try to portray the faces I make throughout my day in an attempt to see how others view me. I find the results quite surprising, and I wonder if half the time my classmates view me as some psycho killer preparing for attack, (Of course, after I'm done with solitary thinking, I'll end up joining some friends and acting like a goofball) Though It can give me a bit of understanding why people act the way they do around me.

 

[Alice?]

From these comments all I can think is that INTPs are just floating brains.

Wait... you're not? Oh dear, somebody fetch the cleaver.

 

[AlisaD]

I don't mind looking, but for some reason the person I see never seems to resemble any of the reflections I saw earlier. And I can't really seem to relate to any of them.

I like what intuitivet said about us being floating brains, but don't really feel like that, I rather like my body, it followed my brain trough some pretty crazy ventures without falling apart (against all odds) it's just that I can't really get myself to believe that this tiny little image is all there is to me. Because it's not.

 

[RedLoki]

Smiles are all in the cheeks - if you can be bothered to move them it looks more genuine. My natural smile doesn't either so the best way to know if I'm tired is whether my smile looks genuine (I try to fake it everytime)

Yes but there is more to it.

I can almost always tell the difference between a fake smile from a genuine smile instantly by looking at the persons eyes. Everyone has a different smile, but every smile is still a smile. There's no reason to focus your attention there, you gain no information if it's sincere or fake. If the person smiles sincerely then other parts of their face should light up and the eyes are almost always a dead giveaway (unless they’re good actors or sociopaths). When you smile sincerely, the other person is much more inclined to do that same too. When looking at pictures of people smiling, you should be able to judge with a high level of certainty whether it's sincere or fake. They should be using muscles around their eyes; cheeks, eyebrows, squinting, etc. The quote, "the eyes are the window to the soul" has never ringed truer!

I'd try to dress well and look good but honestly most of the times I just can't be bothered. And even if I do make the effort to look good and present myself better, I'm bound to ruin the effort by opening my mouth since I'm not able to express myself well enough. Also I haven't yet figured out how to make my smile look genuine. Hmm, might have to spend some time in front of the mirror practising...

I can relate, I’ve been there too. The first obstacle is finding a reason to care and it’s very hard unless something slaps you hard in the face make an impact on your thinking. The other alternative is a goal to achieve. Girl or guy you’re interested in, social success, individuality, etc. My reason? After my dog mauled my mom, I tied him to his dog house in order for her to get help and he bit my face. I felt unbearably ugly, self-conscious and eventually realized I had to change to deal with sulking.

Very similar to an online identity or personality, the second step is creating a persona reflecting your mind. Try thinking and listing qualities, interests and personality traits [that you want to convey] about yourself that you’re comfortable with and want to show. You want to express those ideas physically on yourself. Some examples: Do you think being healthy is important? Then be and look healthy. Do you want to show you have class? A quality Swiss watch is a start. Are you Christian? Try looking for a necklace with a crucifix. I often find myself almost self testing anything I wear or do. If someone approached me and asked about clothing, pants, accessory, shoes, hair, weight, or anything. Would I be confident in explaining the reason for it and am comfortable with what it says about me? Which can stem into other questions; is there an interesting story behind it? Why do I like it? Was it a gift? Use your intuition and reasoning. It helps in other areas too, if someone tried to attack with an insult, you already have an instinctive comeback. The answer, "I don't care about ______" is not an answer! If you don't care, then who should? Your mom? =P

 

[intuitivet]

I don't mind looking, but for some reason the person I see never seems to resemble any of the reflections I saw earlier. And I can't really seem to relate to any of them.

I like what intuitivet said about us being floating brains, but don't really feel like that, I rather like my body, it followed my brain trough some pretty crazy ventures without falling apart (against all odds) it's just that I can't really get myself to believe that this tiny little image is all there is to me. Because it's not.

Is it more like just being 'something' rather than a specific thing (like not feeling like a human, just a something)

Wait... you're not? Oh dear, somebody fetch the cleaver.

Dammit D:

 

[walfin]

Being annoyed of your own voice is NEVER a good thing

You know what? The worst thing in the world is to have perfect pitch (listening), and a voice that always goes out of tune.

For years, I couldn't without feeling sick.
I just couldn't look.

I'm actually able to look most of the time.

That incident was just one of those weird moments. Then I thought other INTPs might have more of these weird moments than I do.

 

[WeAreTheStrange]

I look at myself in the mirror from time to time.

I try to trick my "reflection" into making a mistake.
If i can witness that he did something that i did not do, just once, i would probably fool myself into believing that there is in fact something behind the looking glass!

of course , Mr. Refelction is quite good and has yet to mess up.
I'll get him though.

 

[s0nystyle]

I look at myself in the mirror from time to time.

I try to trick my "reflection" into making a mistake.
If i can witness that he did something that i did not do, just once, i would probably fool myself into believing that there is in fact something behind the looking glass!

of course , Mr. Refelction is quite good and has yet to mess up.
I'll get him though.

playing games with yourself? i dont think i've ever done that before in front of a mirror

 

[WeAreTheStrange]

It's not a game!
it's research!

 

[Maiken]

It's weird. I don't like the way I look at all, but I look at myself in the mirror a LOT! I don't know why but I always make funny faces or stare into my own eyes. As a small child my mom had to place me with my back to the window or els I would sit and look at my own reflection instead of eating dinner. It's really bad actually, sometimes my friends will realize that I'm making faces and they will say "You can see your own reflection somewhere, can't you?!"

 

[Ska]

I don't know why but I always make funny faces or stare into my own eyes.

Haha I do this a lot too, ESPECIALLY after I have just smoked a bowl. Often times in that situation I will also start talking to "myself" in the mirror. Who know how long this can go on for..it gets pretty ridiculous...

 

[CoryJames]

Despite my very deceiving avatar, I do not smile all that much. People mistake me for being a particularly unpleasant or unhappy person, (I do have depression, but I am not a really mopey person usually). I am usually surprised by this perception. When people are like, "why are you so pissed off" or "you need to smile", I don't understand. Then I will walk by a mirror and glance in it and be like, "oh". My thinking/bored face is almost like a frown. I spent a considerable amount of time trying to learn how to have a natural fake smile, and I feel like I have somewhat accomplished that skill.

I don't like looking at mirrors that much though. When I do I immediately find myself searching for flaws and imperfections, the same way I unconsciously pick up mistakes in grammar or musical notes that don't fit or aren't on key. My habit of playing "I spy" with life is barely bearable (teehee) as it is, nevermind when it is turned on my face.

 

[Ska]

Despite my very deceiving avatar, I do not smile all that much. People mistake me for being a particularly unpleasant or unhappy person, (I do have depression, but I am not a really mopey person usually). I am usually surprised by this perception. When people are like, "why are you so pissed off" or "you need to smile", I don't understand.

If I'm not mistaken, that's a pretty common thing for most INTPs. I have a pretty bad case of it, because my normal face looks like I'm extremely pissed off, so people always think I'm angry at them. A lot of times when I don't smile for a picture (because I can't do so naturally), people will tell me I'm looking at them like I want to kill them. And yea, I've had plenty of people asked me why I looked unhappy/pissed or don't smile, when really I'm actually quite content at the moment just sitting back and taking stuff in.

 

[Chimera]

Time to be an outlier! ^__^​

I don't mind looking into mirrors. In fact, I enjoy it. The way I look may not reflect who I feel I am "inside", but that doesn't mean I hate my appearance. I look at my reflection a lot; in a blank screen, a car window, a puddle of rainwater. Somehow my gaze is just drawn to it. It's not for reassurance, or out of fear...it's curiosity, and a sense of "well why shouldn't I look?" I've come to appreciate how my smile is crooked, my nose is big, and my eyes shift between blue and green and are shaded dark with exhaustion. But I think the more you see yourself, the less of a shock your appearance is.​

Imo, there's nothing to fear from mirrors. Cameras, on the other hand... ​

 

[s0nystyle]

Cameras suck your soul right outa ya *dodges*

 

[WeAreTheStrange]

can you say cheese and die?

 

[s0nystyle]

can you say cheese and die?

OMGOMGOMG! is that one of the RLstein books that have multiple endings?

 

[RedLoki]

If I'm not mistaken, that's a pretty common thing for most INTPs. I have a pretty bad case of it, because my normal face looks like I'm extremely pissed off, so people always think I'm angry at them. A lot of times when I don't smile for a picture (because I can't do so naturally), people will tell me I'm looking at them like I want to kill them. And yea, I've had plenty of people asked me why I looked unhappy/pissed or don't smile, when really I'm actually quite content at the moment just sitting back and taking stuff in.

It"s the same for me. I can't force a genuine smile in front of the mirror or for pictures. I really don't know what my genuine smile looks like, I only know when it comes out

 

[WeAreTheStrange]

no, but this one is

 

[CoryJames]

no, but this one is

Those books are the tits.

 

[Stoic Beverage]

I've always enjoyed looking in mirrors. Not because of my physical appearance (which I do not think of as particularly bad, or good), but because I find it helps me to reflect. (no pun intended)

I find I can sometimes discover what I am thinking by reading my own eyes, even if I didn't know what I was thinking. (trippy, I know.)