Gentle touching of the self, such as rubbing the arms or hugging the torso, to ease distress.
Hearing worrying news a person wraps both arms around the middle as if holding themselves steady. The embrace is private and instinctive, a way of offering comfort when none arrives from outside.
These soothing gestures suggest a need for reassurance or comfort in a difficult moment. Their appearance usually marks the point where a person feels most alone with a worry.
Cold and tiredness prompt similar movements, so look for an emotional trigger nearby. Someone simply chilly may hug the arms with no distress behind it.
A reddening of the face caused by a rush of blood, usually beyond conscious control.
ExploreA widening of the pupils that can accompany interest, attraction or heightened arousal.
ExploreRed patches that appear on the neck and chest under stress or strong emotion.
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