Body language

The Cheeks and Jaw

The Cheeks and Jaw

Many people think of the cheeks as a dormant fixture and the jaw as something only useful for chewing and talking-not, in other words, useful in the study of body language. But our cheeks and jaws give our faces our unique human shape. We look for leaders to have strong jaws and the fashion industry is always looking for high cheekbones on models. We color our cheeks artificially with makeup to increase our attractiveness and allow hair to grow on our jaws to fill out a face-which is why President Lincoln grew out his beard. From cheeks that flush with excitement or embarrassment to jaws that shift when we feel unsure, these two areas definitely communicate something about us and should not be overlooked.

67. SUDDEN FACIAL TICS-Facial tics can erupt anywhere on the face (the cheek, a corner of the mouth, the eyes, the forehead) and are specific to each individual. If you suddenly see a nervous twitch, it is usually caused by tension or anxiety. Facial tics often occur on or near the cheeks because of the interconnecting muscles that traverse this area.

68. FACIAL DENTING-People will push or press their fingers firmly against a cheek to produce sensations that relieve stress-literally making a dent into their own skin. These displays are sometimes quite pronounced, depending on the pressure applied. This is frequently seen at sporting events when the home team is doing poorly. Facial denting can be done with one or two hands or a few fingers on just one side or by pinching the cheeks between the thumb and the index or middle finger in concert.

69. CHEEK OR FACIAL MASSAGING-Cheek or facial massaging is a good way to release stress. Usually done very softly, it can also signal contemplation. This is a behavior that needs to be considered with other behaviors for an accurate assessment.

70. CHEEK STRUMMING-Strumming the fingers on the cheek indicates that someone is bored and wanting to move things along. Verify with other
behaviors, such as looking bored or seat shifting.

71. CHEEK FRAMING-Cheek framing is when a person rests the jaw on an extended thumb and places the index finger up along the side of the cheek. This usually involves just one hand and suggests that a person is pondering something, or wants to appear pensive. Some people use this behavior primarily when they doubt what a speaker is saying, while others might simply do it as a means to aid concentration. In dating, it can be an effective pose to show interest from a distance..

72. PUFFING OUT CHEEKS -The puffing out of the cheeks, without exhaling, often signifies doubt, deliberation, or caution. This is often seen in people who are not quite sure what to do next or who are apprehensive. It is not unusual to see someone hold this pose for quite a while as they work out the solution to a problem.

73. SNEAKING A CHEEK TOUCH-Sneaking a pacifier by ever so slightly rubbing the index finger against the cheek indicates that stress is being managed for the sake of perception. When people try to conceal a pacifier, like touching the side of the nose, they do so because they are trying to hide their insecurity, anxiety, or worry. Surreptitious cheek touching is frequently noticeable in people being interviewed on TV and in poker players.

74, CHEEK SCRATCHING --Cheek scratching is also a pacifier, a way of dealing with doubts and insecurities. It is more robust than sneaking a touch, which tends to be more accurate because of its hidden meaning. Nevertheless, the scratching of the cheek with four fingers usually indicates reservations, hesitation, bewilderment, or apprehension.

(75, PINCHING THE CORNERS OF THE MOUTH -Using the fingers to tightly constrict or pinch the corners of the mouth relieves stress. We rarely do this when we are content and relaxed. It is different from facial denting. This behavior is usually done by pressing the fleshy area of cheeks with the fingers and thumbs bilaterally pulling toward the corners of the mouth, perhaps even pulling on one or both lips.

76. CHEEK WIPING-Under extreme stress, it is not unusual to see people press their hands on their face and drag them downward, as if wiping their faces clean. Typically, the motion starts just in front of the ears and concludes near the jawbone. The harder and longer the person presses down, the more acute the stress. I've seen stockbrokers do this at the closing bell after a poor day of trading or when a team loses in the final second of a game.

77. JAW TENSING -When we are upset, angry, or fearful, the jaw muscles near the ears tend to tense up. Look for jaw tension when there is stress, defiance, or emotions are becoming heated.

78. JAW DISPLACING/SHIFTING-Jaw displacement or repetitive jaw shifting (from side to side) is an effective pacifier. This is also simply a compulsive behavior in some people, so note when and how often it occurs and look for other confirming behaviors that something is amiss. Most people do this infrequently, and thus when you do see it, it is very accurate in communicating that something is bothering them.

79. JAW DROPPING-A sudden drop of the jaw, leaving the mouth open and the teeth exposed, communicates great surprise. This behavior is often seen when people are shocked or are confronted with an embarrassing revelation. Why our jaws drop is not completely understood, but the action is quite accurate in revealing total surprise.

80. JAW MUSCLES PULSING-Jaw muscles that pulse, throb, or become tight and pronounced indicate impatience, tension, concern, worries, anger, or negative emotions.

81. JAW JUTTING-When we are angry, we tend to move or jut the jaw slightly forward. In conjunction with lowered upper eyelids or tense lips, this behavior makes anger
difficult for a person to hide entirely.

(Sorry it's been a while, I've been busy with other stuff. And today is a short chapter, I'll try to update next week.)