Body language: State of frustration

By M.Farouk Radwan, MSc.

Body language: State of frustration

Frustration is experienced when you become unable to do something that you wanted to do badly. Suppose you had lots of work to do but didn't have enough time, surely you'll end up feeling frustrated.

In body language, when people become frustrated they take the gesture shown in the picture below which is the body language state of frustration. Scratching the back of your head or rubbing your neck from behind, as in the picture below, is a clear sign of frustration according to body language.

Other 'frustration' body language gestures

The following are some other body gestures that show the presence of frustration:

  • Vigorously scratching your hands, face or other body parts
  • Abrading your face with one of your fingers
  • Tapping your hands against your lap
  • Shaking your foot repeatedly in a nervous manner
  • Some Micro forms:

Your body language affects the impression people form of you. In my book How to make someone fall in love with you i explained how keeping your back straight can increase the chance of attracting people to you. Since a straight back reflects confidence, doing that simple body language gesture can make you appear more confident and attractive.

When frustration and anxiety meet

Some gestures are common between frustration and anxiety.

In the article about the body language of anxiety i said that tapping your hands against your laps are among the signs of anxiety.

Yes some body language gestures might seem very similar to each other but with a little common sense you can tell the difference between both.

Its not a correct practice to analyze the body language of people quickly without putting the context of the situation in mind.

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