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The Ultimate Body Language Book

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smoothing clothing, rotating a wedding ring, nail-biting, or sucking a finger or pen. <strong>The</strong>se all indicate a<br />

hidden thought linked to anxiety. <strong>The</strong> word displacement, in this fashion indicates that one is trying to<br />

avoid the task or issue at hand, and is instead, busy themselves with an activity that is much less taxing.<br />

Another form of displacement behaviours include sitting slumped over, with a glazed look endlessly<br />

staring at the floor or a spot on the wall.<br />

Sometimes displacement behaviours are used to avoid conflict with others and those taking part would<br />

rather not be in the situation. To avoid conflict, they appear busy and preoccupied by doing other<br />

things. Displacement behaviours can also include gum chewing or nail biting, grooming, tapping, head<br />

scratching or playing with jewelry. It includes any behaviour that is out of place and serves the purpose<br />

of removing one’s self from the situation or topic at hand. We all understand when someone tries to<br />

“change the subject”, this is the same thing, only it is accomplished silently.

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