Gestures of Anxiety and Expectation

Rubbing hands together (positive vs. negative expectancy).

Rubbing the palms together is a gesture that generally indicates a positive expectation; the person anticipates that something good is going to happen. However, the speed of the gesture is crucial in interpreting who will benefit.

If, for example, a salesperson rubs his hands together quickly and says, "I have the perfect offer for you," this usually indicates that he sincerely believes that the offer will benefit you, the customer.

Conversely, if he says the same phrase, but rubs his hands together slowly, the signal changes.

This suggests that he is being sneaky or that the main benefit of the offer will be to him.

Of course, context is king: if the person is outdoors in winter, rubbing his hands together simply means he is trying to warm them.

Interlocked Fingers (Anxiety, Frustration)

A gesture that almost always indicates anxiety or a negative emotion is interlocking the fingers.

When the fingers are interlocked, often with tension, it shows that the person is uncomfortable, experiencing stress, anxiety or frustration. It is a gesture of self-restraint.

It has been observed that the higher the interlocked hands are held (e.g., in front of the face or chest, rather than on the table or lap), the more negative or intense the individual's mood.

Concealing the Hands (Pockets and Back).

Since showing open palms is a sign of honesty, hiding the hands has the opposite effect.

Putting the hands in pockets or behind the back can be interpreted as a sign that the person is not being completely open or has something to hide.

It can also be a sign of shyness or insecurity, a desire to go unnoticed.

While putting the hands behind the back can be a gesture of superiority, there is another variation that means the opposite: grabbing the wrist or forearm.

This is a gesture of self-control, frustration and anxiety.

The higher the hand is held (grasping the wrist is less tense than grasping