You see, but you do not observe #IndieThursday

“You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of trifles.”

~Sherlock Holmes ~ The Boscombe Valley Mystery

“You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear.”

~Sherlock Holmes ~ A Scandal in Bohemia

As part of my 2016 symbol series, I’m continuing on with yesterday’s body language post. (scroll down for the previous posts to learn more). As mentioned yesterday, we give physical clues to what we’re feeling. Not only do we do this all the time, we do it consciously and unconsciously. Our body language is filled with these symbols and most are universal. The more wide-spread it is, the older it is. One of the oldest is the head nod we interpret as yes and the head shake we interpret as no.

Yesterday we went head to collar. Today we’ll starting at the neck:

Covering the neck with the hand – disturbed or fearful
Slow palm stroke down the front of the neck – uncomfortable
Massaging the neck – indicates tension or anxiety
Massaging the neck – (situational – desire, weary)
Exercising the neck – boredom
Sudden front neck-grab – shock or surprise
Grabbing the back of the neck – a displacement activity for anger
Shrug – I don’t know or indifference
Shrug with arms up – I don’t know, I tell you!
Quick slight shrug – lying or lack of understanding
Slow animated shrug – aggression or disregard
Chest in profile – sexual overtone
Chest thrust – I’m tough, look at me
Sunken chest – meek, don’t hurt me
Chest leaning, crossing into the other person’s space – aggression
Touching your chest – highly suggestive and flirtatious
Breathing:

Slow deep breath – buying time, thinking

Shuddering breath – overwhelmed, forgot to breathe

Gasp – surprise

Cough – skeptical

Panting – excited, exertion

Choke – stunned, disbelief


Turning your back – (situational male. Belittling. You’re no threat to me)
Hunched shoulders – feeling cold or fear
Hunched shoulders ducked head – fearing attack
Hunched shoulders forward head – wishing to hide
Shoulders back – fearless or taunting
Shoulders back, back up against a wall – desire to remain unseen
Shoulder on the wall – relaxed
Shoulder on the wall with ankles crossed – carefree
Shoulder half turning away – disinterest or uncomfortable with the topic
Arms held firmly to the sides – deception
Arms thrown in the air – exasperation
Arms in motion during conversation – excitement
One arm suddenly thrust in the air – I have no idea! Sarcasm: That’s just great!
Forearm up to face with head-ducking – self-protection
Crossed arms – can be situational, as in feeling cold
Crossed arms, shoulders tense – wary and feeling vulnerable
Crossed arms – self-protection, feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable
Crossed arms hug – seeking comfort
Crossed arms with shoulder on wall – waiting and growing impatient
Crossed arms, balled fists – restraint (or situational – my hands are cold)
Crossed arms, hands in armpits – cold
Crossed arms, shoulder on wall, crossed ankles – judgmental
Crossed arms, shoulder on wall, crossed ankles, balled fists – intolerant and ready to
fight
Crossed arms, turn away – hurt feelings
One hand on arm or shoulder – I want to be friends with you
Reaching out – seeking comfort
Reaching out situational – I want to throttle you!
Reaching out, pulling back sharply – defensive
Arms back – hiding something
Arms back exposing torso – (situational – submissive or over confident)
Elbow jab – get out of my way!
Propped on elbows – listening

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’d planned to take it all the way to the toes, but every time I assumed I was done, I though of another! We humans sure say a lot when we keep our mouths shut. Writers often color their stories with these little actions.  I certainly do.



Tomorrow: More

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Words Worth Mentioning for January

“I have always a sacred veneration for anyone I observe to be a little out of repair in his person, as supposing him either a poet or a philosopher.”

~Jonathan Swift

Today is Author Renee Vincent’s blog day

http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/

Authors and Industry representatives all month long.

Our January is on! Prizes often include $100 in gift cards for Amazon/B&N, ebooks, print books, audiobooks, additional gift cards, and non-book items. http://www.romancebooks4us.com/