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Hand movements, sharp or barely noticeable, can sometimes tell more about a person than words. Most often we do them unconsciously, but they betray our true intentions, moods and emotions. Someone who knows the meanings of typical gestures can “read” people like an open book.
Very few realize that limitless power is concentrated in their hands. Hands can protect or betray, and this happens against our will. In that case, of course, if we do not understand sign language.
In many languages, the word “hands” is used for more than just a part of the body. Think about how it sounds in Russian:
- “Everything is in your hands” – act bolder, you can handle it.
- “She has a light hand” – she is lucky, she succeeds in many things without much effort.
- “We have long arms” – someone emphasizes their omnipotence and influence.
- “He is the right hand of the director” – he is an indispensable assistant to the leader.
- “To rake the heat with the wrong hands” – to use someone’s labor for selfish purposes.
In most cultures, open palms represent purity of intention. At all times, an oath thrown up or pressed to the heart meant an assurance of honesty and fidelity. Thais, Indonesians and Malays raise their folded hands to their chests as a sign of greeting or gratitude. Some find it difficult to lie on their back with their palms outstretched. Gestures are an important part of body language, and it is very interesting to understand them.
“I want to be believed”
When we are undeservedly accused, we are indignant and say something like: “It’s not me!”, “I wasn’t there!”, “What do I have to do with it?”. At such moments, the palms open and turn up to show that we have nothing to hide. The other person picks up on this intuitively and believes that we are telling the truth.
Again, be careful if someone is saying something important with their hands in their pockets or behind their backs. Hidden palms are a reason for doubt. Of course, there are exceptions, but the more tense the situation and the more serious the problem, the more likely that a person is lying or hiding part of the information.
Many women put on a busy look, trying to lie. For example, they take up cleaning and rearrange objects, or they are distracted by extraneous topics in order to “talk their teeth”.
Hands up, hands down
Hand movements during a conversation can significantly affect the relationship of the interlocutors. When you ask for something, turn your slightly open palms up, and your counterpart will read this gesture as “do me a favor.” At the same time, there will be no feeling that he was disturbed, trying to pressure or threaten. But if you repeat the same thing with lowered hands, the request can be perceived as an order.
When communicating in body language, cultural differences need to be taken into account. For example, the classic Western “come here” gesture (arm outstretched forward, palm up, you curl your fingers towards you) is considered humiliating in South Korea. To call someone, you need to turn the brush palm down.
Handshakes
A handshake not only sets the tone for a business or diplomatic meeting, but also influences its outcome. When two equals greet, their hands are arranged vertically and parallel, mirroring each other. But if one person turns his hand palm up, it can be read as a sign of submission, recognition of dominance and superiority.
Many successful businessmen and authoritarian politicians use the dominant handshake style. Their palm somehow ends up on top, unless the interlocutor unraveles the hidden intentions and enters into a symbolic struggle for power. Then the hands will converge in an “equal” shake.
If you want to express affection to someone, keep your hands upright and do not overdo it by squeezing the palm
What to do if someone imposes a fight for the championship? Cover the opponent’s right hand with the left hand and grab his hand in the “glove”. This will stop him from trying to show who is in charge, but it can also cause irritation, so use this technique only if absolutely necessary.
It should be noted that shaking with both hands does not always carry a negative connotation. If a close friend does this, it means sincerity and warmth, as in a hug. In many Arab countries, a local resident may greet a stranger with this gesture without any ulterior motive. Having met a friend of his friend, he covers his brush with both hands, as if saying: “You are also my friend, I trust you.”
Handshake styles could be written in a separate article, but if you want to express a friendly attitude to someone, keep your hands upright and do not overdo it by squeezing someone else’s palm.
rub your hands
In most cultures, rubbing hand in hand expresses excitement and expectation of something good (or the person is simply cold). The speed of movements betrays the level of impatience or the desire to bring a joyful event closer.
Money or heart?
Rubbing the thumb against the index finger is usually associated with money, as if we are demanding: “Throw a coin!” However, despite its widespread use, this gesture is considered indecent. The same connected but motionless fingers in South Korea will be read as “take my heart”, that is, they will be mistaken for a declaration of love.
Folded hands
Folded or clasped hands convey different messages depending on the situation. This can mean a desire to emphasize one’s strength, or it can mean confidence and even nervousness. Body language experts Alan and Barbara Pease, who have written 15 books on the subject of non-verbal communication, noted an interesting detail: the height at which the hands are located expresses the degree of doubt.
If a seated person holds tightly clenched hands with intertwined fingers at face level, there is certainly an internal struggle going on in him. Offer him some drink or ask him to hold any object so that he unclenches his hands. Then the arguments will be perceived much more favorably.
Hands with a house
Hands with a house (closed fingers form an inverted “V”) give out authority and self-confidence. Although this gesture is very characteristic of the authorities, it does not always indicate the desire to dominate. People who use it often feel competent and confident and know what they are doing well.
Hands behind back
Walking or standing with your hands clasped behind your back helps you appear authoritative and in control of your feelings. Use this gesture in stressful situations to keep your cool. On the other hand, hands hidden behind the back can cause distrust. Therefore, try to keep them in sight if you want your words to be believed.