this might be an odd question, but how do you write body language? like, I always see advice saying "use the character's body language to show that they're uncomfortable and not saying it/lying/etc!!" and whenever I try to write it it always either feels clunky and wordy/rambling or so painfully obvious that the other characters in the scene are idiots for not noticing it (or I think the reader is an idiot who can't read subtlety). am I missing some secret to writing nonverbal cues??
A lot of writing body language ties into the general advice of "show, don't tell!" There's not a special secret to mastering this so much as it is just practicing and figuring out what your style is as a writer.
Take, for example, description of a character who has something to say, but won't bring it up. Describing their body language can clue the reader in to how they're feeling!
"He leaned forward as she spoke, carefully eyeing the rest of the room, gaze lingering on the man standing by the door for just a moment longer than everyone else. As she finished her story, he looked her in the eyes, but said nothing." could suggest that a character is engaged, but doesn't feel that they're in the right company to speak.
"He crossed his arms as she spoke, rolling his eyes as she rambled on about the details of previous night. He tapped his foot, as though he could find some magic code to skip to the end of her story." shows a more frustrated, impatient, or even angry character.
My biggest piece of advice is honestly to just keep practicing, and things will get easier! Find what works for you, and always keep in mind that some characters are idiots who don't pick up on cues, which could be a useful device for the plot! There are many times that readers pick up on Character A's feelings, but Character B is oblivious, and it creates more tension in the story!
