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Alternative Interpretations of Body Language, Part 2

There’s a lot of lists out there of what emotions are linked to certain expressions and gestures, but not many that go the other way around - providing alternative ways you (or other characters within your stories) can interpret body language.

Under the jump because it’s long.

See part 1 here.

Arms and Hands

Folded arms

Closed-off

Dislike or emotional distance

Creating a barrier for self-protection

Trembling hands

Anxiety

Anger

Medical condition (such as Parkinson’s)

Clenched fist or tight grasp

Anger

About to lash out

Resisting talking about something

Bad habit

Open gesturing

Openness to talking

Willingness to make contact

Stiff and/or unmoving

Anger

Anxiety

Reluctance

Shyness

Sore muscles

Legs and Feet

Crossing and uncrossing

Anxiety or nervousness

Depression

Self-protection

Foot tapping

Anxiety

Impatience

Stiff and/or controlled movements

Anxiety

Closed off

Repressed attitudes

Sore muscles

Body

Leaning forward

Attentiveness and interest

Openness

Connectedness

Leaning away or back

Withdrawal

Rejection of what’s just been said

Relaxation or comfort

Turned to the side

Avoidance

Fear

Expecting rejection

Reduced openness

Rocking or repetitive motion

Anxiety, nervousness, or worry

Bad habit

Developmental disorder

Habitual movement (e.g. tapping, hair twirling, squirming)

Concentration and/or focused attention

Boredom

Impatience

Anxiety or nervousness

Bad habit

Breath

Slow and deep breathing

Relaxation

Attempt to calm down

Comfort

Hyperventilation

Anxiety

Panic

Loss of emotional control

Underbreathing

Anxiety

Depersonalization

Short, flat, and choppy breathing

Anxiety

Depression with crying

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