What is the ancestory of my strange features?

Question

I have a very unusual face, especially by British standards. I have heavy dark eye brows, a prominent hooked nose, deep set eyes which are mixed pigment, a medium complexion with reddish cheeks, a heavy jaw, very high cheekbones and round, full lips. I have been mistaken for being Spanish, Greek, Russian, Jewish and Israeli - I have that type of look and people frequently think I don't speak English.
I am 3/4 English and 1/4 Flemish; I know that the dark features and round mouth come from the Flemish side of the family, but I am unclear as to how typical this is in Belgium and if it isn't typical then where on Earth has it come from.
I always stood out so much growing up in Sussex so I'm am intested to find out where this has come from. Thanksx

Answer 1

Hey TigerTigerTiger,

If you are truly interested, your features may not give it away, especially as recessive genes can stay hidden for many generations. So, 2 points that may help you are 1) Collect your Family Tree information, and 2) Take some DNA tests.

1) Your family tree will tell you more about where you really come from than any other method. In 5 generations back, you will have 5 to the 2 power number of surnames in that generation. So, that is 32 different contributors to who you are in the 5th generation from you. You can learn how by asking that question here, taking a class in Genealogy, or just trying. Start with your birth record, your parents, then move on the grandparents records and so on. Birth, Death, and Marriage records are the most important, but Wills, probate, land, census, obits, are all good too. Get some Genealogy software.

As for DNA, it helps, but only shows 1 branch, the SURNAME, unless you do the mtDNA, for the female side, and that is strictly one branch also. So, you miss a lot of your genealogical contributors.

What you are looking for is a face analyzer, and there actually is one, but do not put to much stock in it.