Body Language of Pinching The Bridge Of The Nose
Cue: Pinching The Bridge Of The Nose.
Synonym(s): Nose Pinching.
Description: The index and thumb pinch the upper part of the nose.
In One Sentence: Pinching the bridge of the nose indicates emotional discomfort.
How To Use it: Pinch the bridge of the nose when you want to show others that you are struggling with a decision. Pinching the nose is also a tactile release which can help release negative stress energy. It works because blood flows to the nose during arousal – while pinching it reduces the flow thereby making us feel better.
Context: General.
Verbal Translation: “I’m pinching the bridge of my nose because I’m experiencing discomfort over having to make an important decision.”
Variant: The hand may come up to the side of the face rather than pinch the nose. The corner of the eye next to the nose is also an important target point for scratching during high stress or anxiety. See Hand To Nose, Chin Stroking.
Cue In Action: It was a long day but nearing an end. Suddenly, the boss came over and asked if he could put in another couple of hours to restack the shelves. He pinched nose, hung his head, sighed and after much internal debate, reluctantly agreed.
Meaning and/or Motivation: Pinching the nose is an evaluative gesture. It indicates deep thought or a negative emotion.
The nose has many blood vessels which when stressed fill and engorge with blood. Pinching the nose is a way to cut off or reduce the swelling of the nose which is why it feels natural to pinch it.
Interestingly, some women and men sneeze before or just after sexual stimulation. This is because the nose engorges during any form of arousal, not just arousal due to stress. As the nose receives extra stimulation from blood flow, it triggers a sneeze response. Thus, it may also signal sexual arousal!
Cue Cluster: Watch for other evaluative gestures such as chin stroking, flared nostrils, rubbing the back of the neck, looking upwards and looking around the room.
Body Language Category: Doubt or disbelief body language, Evaluative, Frustration or frustrated body language, Pensive displays, Stressful body language.
Resources: NONE