The problem with trying to conceal anxiety — in any situation — is that we’ve evolved to do exactly the opposite.
According to Joe Navarro, a former FBI agent and the author of What Every BODY is saying, we’re hardwired to display anxiety and to recognize it in others as well. Back in our caveman days, this was a means of quickly recognizing danger.
Here are some of the most common universal, nonverbal expressions of nervousness that are pretty hard to control.
This article originally appeared on Business Insider
More from Business Insider:
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com