“You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of trifles.”
~Sherlock Holmes ~ The Boscombe Valley Mystery

“You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear.”
~Sherlock Holmes ~ A Scandal in Bohemia

Though I’d planned something different for today’s post on symbolism, I had such a huge response to yesterday’s body language from head to collar, I thought I’d expand it a bit more.  😀

Covering the neck with the hand – disturbed or fearful
Slow palm stroke down the front of the neck – uncomfortable
Massaging the neck – indicates tension or anxiety
Massaging the neck – (situational – desire, weary)
Exercising the neck – boredom
Sudden front neck-grab – shock or surprise
Grabbing the back of the neck – a displacement activity for anger
Shrug – I don’t know or indifference
Shrug with arms up – I don’t know, I tell you!
Quick slight shrug – lying or lack of understanding
Slow animated shrug – aggression or disregard 
Chest in profile – sexual overtone
Chest thrust – I’m tough, look at me
Sunken chest – meek, don’t hurt me
Chest leaning, crossing into the other person’s space – aggression
Touching your chest – highly suggestive and flirtatious
Breathing:
Slow deep breath – buying time, thinking
Shuddering breath – overwhelmed, forgot to breathe
Turning your back – (situational male. Belittling. You’re no threat to me)
Hunched shoulders – feeling cold or fear
Hunched shoulders ducked head – fearing attack
Hunched shoulders forward head – wishing to hide
Shoulders back – fearless or taunting
Shoulders back, back up against a wall – desire to remain unseen
Shoulder on the wall – relaxed 
Shoulder on the wall with ankles crossed – carefree
Shoulder half turning away – disinterest or uncomfortable with the topic
Arms held firmly to the sides – deception
Arms thrown in the air – exasperation
Arms in motion during conversation – excitement
One arm suddenly thrust in the air – I have no idea! Sarcasm: That’s just great!
Forearm up to face with head-ducking – self-protection
Crossed arms – can be situational, as in feeling cold
Crossed arms, shoulders tense – wary and feeling vulnerable
Crossed arms – self-protection, feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable
Crossed arms hug – seeking comfort
Crossed arms with shoulder on wall – waiting and growing impatient
Crossed arms, balled fists – restraint (or situational – my hands are cold)
Crossed arms, hands in armpits – cold
Crossed arms, shoulder on wall, crossed ankles – judgmental
Crossed arms, shoulder on wall, crossed ankles, balled fists – intolerant and ready to fight
Crossed arms, turn away – hurt feelings
One hand on arm or shoulder – I want to be friends with you
Reaching out – seeking comfort
Reaching out situational – I want to throttle you!
Reaching out, pulling back sharply – defensive
Arms back – hiding something
Arms back exposing torso – (situational – submissive or over confident)
Elbow jab – get out of my way!
Propped on elbows  – listening

Wow, we humans say a lot when we say nothing, don’t we? That’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’d hoped to take it to the toes, but every time I thought I was finished with neck through elbows, I remembered another! Alas, I have work to do. I’m stopping here.
Tomorrow ~ More!

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Another 100 Things Blogging Challenge! For 100 days, I’ll post something from my chosen topic: Words on the Verge of Extinction. There are 76 entries to come.

Here’s one for today:

Resarciate (verb commonly seen 1656-1657)

to mend; to make amends