Placing belongings to claim space, such as spreading items across a shared table.
A person settles in by laying a notebook, phone and cup in a wide arc on the desk. The belongings stake out a patch of ground, marking a comfortable claim on the shared space.
Read spreading as a claim to space and comfort, and tight gathering as restraint or unease. How much room a person takes often tracks how secure they feel in the setting.
Tidiness is partly personality, so treat this as a soft signal. A naturally tidy person keeps belongings close for order, not out of unease.
Adjusting hair, clothing or appearance, which can signal self consciousness or interest.
ExploreA short delay before one person matches the posture of another, revealing the depth of rapport.
ExploreVery small nods that signal active listening and encouragement to continue.
Explore