100 Micro-expressions and Body Language that Indicate Resistance

Body language and micro-expressions can provide insights into a person's emotions, thoughts, and intentions. When it comes to resistance, certain gestures, postures, and facial expressions can indicate that a person is not receptive, hesitant, or unwilling to engage. Here are 100 examples of body language and micro-expressions that may indicate resistance:

1. Crossed Arms: A classic sign of defensiveness or resistance.
2. Avoiding Eye Contact: Indicates discomfort or evasion.
3. Leaning Back: Can suggest a desire to distance oneself.
4. Tight-Lipped Smile: A forced smile that doesn't reach the eyes.
5. Checking the Clock: Suggests impatience or a desire to leave.
6. Foot Pointing Away: Indicates a desire to exit the situation.
7. Rubbing the Neck: Can indicate discomfort or doubt.
8. Touching the Face: Especially covering the mouth can indicate lying or discomfort.
9. Furrowed Brow: Indicates confusion or concern.
10. Sighing: Exasperation or impatience.
11. Rolling Eyes: Disapproval or annoyance.
12. Tapping Fingers: Impatience or anxiety.
13. Crossed Legs: Especially when feet are locked around the legs of a chair.
14. Looking Down or Away: Avoidance or shame.
15. Blocking the Body: Using objects like a purse or notebook as a shield.
16. Hugging Oneself: Self-soothing gesture indicating discomfort.
17. Shrugging: Uncertainty or indifference.
18. Rigid Posture: Lack of relaxation or openness.
19. Shaking the Head: Disagreement or disbelief.
20. Clasping Hands Behind the Back: Can indicate restraint or hiding something.
21. Clearing the Throat Repeatedly: Discomfort or nervousness.
22. Biting the Lips: Nervousness or holding back.
23. Quickly Shifting Weight: Restlessness or impatience.
24. Tight Jaw: Holding back anger or frustration.
25. Hesitation in Speech: Uncertainty or untruthfulness.
26. Stiff Movements: Indicates lack of ease or comfort.
27. Narrowed Eyes: Suspicion or scrutiny.
28. Grimacing: Brief expression of displeasure.
29. Pursed Lips: Holding back or disapproval.
30. Clenched Fists: Restraint or anger.
31. Sudden Freezing: Momentary hesitation due to surprise or resistance.
32. Quickly Looking Away: Being caught off guard or wanting to avoid a topic.
33. Hiding Hands: Not being open or possibly deceptive.
34. Rapid Blinking: Can indicate stress or discomfort.
35. Sudden Swallowing: Nervous reaction.
36. Flaring Nostrils: An indicator of anger or agitation.
37. Tucking Chin In: Defensiveness or protection.
38. Rubbing the Forehead: Frustration or stress.
39. Fidgeting: Discomfort or restlessness.
40. Moving Away: Increasing physical distance.
41. Protective Hand Gestures: Covering throat or heart.
42. Short, Chopped Hand Movements: Agitation or wanting to end the conversation.
43. Glancing at Exits: Desire to leave.
44. Adjusting Clothing Repeatedly: Discomfort or nervousness.
45. Sudden Silence: Holding back or reevaluating what to say.
46. Pointing Finger: Accusatory or dominant gesture.
47. Turning the Body Away: Non-engagement or withdrawal.
48. Raising a Hand as a Barrier: Wanting to keep distance or stop a conversation.
49. Walking Away: Clear sign of disengagement.
50. Over-Exaggerated Nodding: Impatience or pretending to agree.
51. Rubbing the Back of the Neck: Unsureness or stress.
52. Tightening the Lips: Holding back words or disapproval.
53. Stroking the Chin: Evaluating or being judgmental.
54. Shuffling Feet: Nervousness or wanting to move.
55. Distracted Gaze: Not focusing on the person or topic.
56. Hiding Behind Objects: Like peeking over a laptop or behind a book.
57. Rubbing the Eyes: Frustration or disbelief.
58. Hunched Shoulders: Defensiveness or feeling burdened.
59. Touching the Nose: Possible sign of untruthfulness or doubt.
60. Locked Ankles: Restrained posture.
61. Holding the Elbow: Self-restraint or self-soothing.
62. Brushing Off: Gesture of dismissal or devaluing.
63. Tightening the Throat: Restrained anger or holding back words.
64. Sudden Interruptions: Not allowing the other person to speak.
65. Deep Sighs: Frustration or impatience.
66. Resting Head on Hand: Boredom or tiredness.
67. Rubbing the Temples: Overwhelmed or stressed.
68. Shrinking Away: Physical withdrawal from something unpleasant.
69. Covering the Ears: Not wanting to hear something.
70. Raising One Eyebrow: Skepticism or challenge.
71. Hands in Pockets: Defensiveness or hiding.
72. Wiping Away Sweat: Nervousness or stress.
73. Coughing to Interrupt: Not wanting to hear more or changing the subject.
74. Pinching the Bridge of the Nose: Frustration or deep thought.
75. Bouncing a Leg: Restlessness or impatience.
76. Squinting: Doubt or scrutiny.
77. Turning the Nose Up: Disdain or rejection.
78. Gritting Teeth: Suppressed anger.
79. Tutting or Clicking Tongue: Disapproval or impatience.
80. Pacing Back and Forth: Anxiety or restlessness.
81. Rubbing Hands Together: Anticipation or nervousness.
82. Touching or Covering the Mouth: Trying to hold back words or shock.
83. Peeking Through Fingers: Not wanting to fully see or engage.
84. Scratching: Discomfort or nervous gesture.
85. Hiding the Eyes: Shame or not wanting to engage.
86. Clasping Hands Tightly: Anxiety or deep thought.
87. Wringing Hands: Worry or stress.
88. Placing Items in Between: Like placing a coffee cup between oneself and another as a barrier.
89. Rubbing Wrists: Anxiety or nervousness.
90. Shaking the Head Slowly: Disbelief or disappointment.
91. Looking to the Side: Evasion or distraction.
92. Tense Smile: Forced politeness.
93. Rubbing One's Arms: Soothing oneself, indicating discomfort.
94. Clenching Objects Tightly: Like gripping a pen, indicating stress.
95. Holding Breath: Tension or anticipation.
96. Touching Jewelry Repeatedly: Like playing with a necklace, indicating nervousness.
97. Looking Down and to the Left: Possible sign of recalling feelings, possibly discomfort.
98. Stiff Nodding: Pretending to understand or agree.
99. Rapid Speech: Nervousness or wanting to finish quickly.
100. Sudden Stops in Movement: Pausing due to hesitation or rethinking.

As with signs of openness, it's important to consider context, individual differences, and cultural norms when interpreting signs of resistance. The same gesture might mean different things in different contexts or cultures.