This article was co-authored by Elvina Lui, MFT and by How.com.vn staff writer, Eric McClure. Elvina Lui is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in relationship counseling based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Elvina received her Masters in Counseling from Western Seminary in 2007 and trained under the Asian Family Institute in San Francisco and the New Life Community Services in Santa Cruz. She has over 13 years of counseling experience and is trained in the harm reduction model.
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Can something as innocuous as putting your hands in your pockets convey something about your confidence or headspace? Believe it or not, it can! Stuffing your hands in your pockets is one of the classic body language signs that someone is nervous or unsure of themselves. However, there are fringe cases where another explanation is more likely. We’ll break down what this gesture means and what you can do to appear more confident and powerful with your own body language.
Things You Should Know
- Hiding your hands in your pockets makes it seem like you’re anxious, scared, or unconfident.
- People may also stuff their hands in their pockets if they’re cold or fidgeting with their keys.
- Try putting your hands on your hips or crossing your arms if you want a gesture that conveys more confidence.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/01/06/rs.body.language/index.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17861-cold-hands
- ↑ https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/weather/2021/02/12/a-look-into-cold-weather-myths
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/body-language
- ↑ https://www.espn.com/espn/news/story?id=2466726
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/he-speaks-she-speaks/201504/what-do-your-hands-reveal-about-you
- ↑ https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/handshake-history-folklore
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/raging-grace/202102/pocketful-inequities
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/business-insider/body-language-tricks-to-boost-confidence.html
- ↑ https://www.askmen.com/grooming/project/top-10-ways-to-show-confidence-with-body-language_10.html
- ↑ https://www.askmen.com/grooming/project/top-10-ways-to-show-confidence-with-body-language_10.html
- ↑ https://www.insider.com/body-language-how-to-improve-confidence-2018-8
- ↑ https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/talking-with-your-hands/
- ↑ https://www.click2houston.com/houston-life/2021/07/06/are-crossed-arms-rude-body-language-expert-weighs-in-on-trending-topic/
- ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/health/body-odd/straighten-slouching-makes-you-sad-study-shows-flna1c6854908
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/business-insider/body-language-tricks-to-boost-confidence.html
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/relationships/g5197/body-language-marriage/
- ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/body-language-examples/
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