April 18, 2025 • 11 mins
Think you're good at reading people? Think again.
In this episode, we decode 9 seemingly insignificant behaviors that can quietly scream who someone really is—according to psychological studies you probably haven’t heard of (but definitely won’t forget).
Whether it’s how someone checks their phone, treats a barista, or how firm their handshake is—these subtle actions can reveal confidence, insecurity, narcissism, empathy, or hidden red flags. From eye contact to passive-aggressive put-downs, we’ll break down the body language and micro-moments that say everything.
We’ll also spill what your punctuality, your drink order, and your response to wait staff might be telling others… even if you don’t realize it.
So yeah—this episode might change the way you see everyone, including yourself. 😳
👉 If you're fascinated by personality psychology, love dissecting human behavior, or just want to sharpen your people-reading skills like a social detective, this one’s for you.
📌 Subscribe now, leave a quick review, and send this to someone who always insists “I’m just being honest.”
(We know what that really means.) 😉
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mindbenders-brain-teasers-philo-psych--6019641/support.
In this episode, we decode 9 seemingly insignificant behaviors that can quietly scream who someone really is—according to psychological studies you probably haven’t heard of (but definitely won’t forget).
Whether it’s how someone checks their phone, treats a barista, or how firm their handshake is—these subtle actions can reveal confidence, insecurity, narcissism, empathy, or hidden red flags. From eye contact to passive-aggressive put-downs, we’ll break down the body language and micro-moments that say everything.
We’ll also spill what your punctuality, your drink order, and your response to wait staff might be telling others… even if you don’t realize it.
So yeah—this episode might change the way you see everyone, including yourself. 😳
👉 If you're fascinated by personality psychology, love dissecting human behavior, or just want to sharpen your people-reading skills like a social detective, this one’s for you.
📌 Subscribe now, leave a quick review, and send this to someone who always insists “I’m just being honest.”
(We know what that really means.) 😉
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mindbenders-brain-teasers-philo-psych--6019641/support.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Have you ever like noticed someone doing something and it
just like totally changes your opinion of them? Oh yeah, totally,
Like maybe they cut someone off in traffic, or they're
really rude to a cashire.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Yeah, or like even just the way they carry their bag.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
Right, and it's like suddenly you think you've got them
all figured out.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
It's like our brains are always looking for these little clues,
you know, to decode the people around us.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Yeah, totally, And today we're going to do a deep
dive into that idea. You know how these little things
we do can actually tell us a lot about.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Who we are exactly. And we're not just talking about
like you know, big life decisions or anything. We're talking
about everyday habits, as almost unconscious things we do, right, Like.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Those little things you might not even think twice.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
About exactly, And we've got some fascinating research to back
it up.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
Okay, so let's get right into it. We're gonna explore
nine of these little things.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
So first step, our relationship with our phones. Are you
someone who's always checking their phone?
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (00:58):
I know a few people like that, right, I mean,
it's practically an extension of our hands these days totally.
But did you know that researchers at the University of
Derby and Nottingham Trent University actually looked into this really Yeah,
they found that constantly checking your phone could actually be
linked to some mental health struggles.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
Wow, that's interesting.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Yeah, so for some people, the phone becomes like a refuge.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
You know, like a way to escape exactly, a.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Way to soothe anxieties or just distract themselves from difficult emotions.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Oh yeah, I can totally see.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
That, right, It's like a digital comfort blanket.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
And I bet social media plays a big role in
that too.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Oh absolutely, especially when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed. It's
so easy to just mindlessly scroll.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
Totally, it's like an automatic response.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
And the researchers also found a link between lower levels
of what they call diligence and phone addiction. Diligence yeah,
basically being organized and disciplined in your daily life. Oh okay,
so people who struggle with time management and staying on
top of things in the real world might also find
it hard to regulate their phone use.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
That makes sense.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
So you know that friend who's always refreshing their news feed,
or your teenager who's glued to TikTok.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
While it could be that they're genuinely interested in what
they're seeing, right, it could also be a sign of
something deeper. Yeah, you know, like maybe they're struggling with
self control or they're using their phone to cope with something.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
Yeah. It's definitely something to think about.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
For sure. And this isn't about judging anyone. It's just
about being more aware of our own habits and why
we do the things we do, right, Like.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
What triggers us to reach for our phones in the
first place.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Exactly. Okay, So moving on from a digital world, let's
talk about how we treat people in service roles. Okay,
you know, like waiters, cashiers, baristas, that kind of thing. Yeah,
did you know that this can actually tell you a
lot about someone's character, really. Yeah. It's like a little
window into their empathy, their stress management, and just their
(02:54):
overall respect for others.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Hmmm, that's interesting.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
I remember once I was on a date and the
guy was so rude to the waiter. It was like
a complete turn off, Like he was snapping his fingers,
making demands, just being generally dismissive. Oh no, and it
was over something so minor like a delayed drink order. Wow,
it was like a huge red flag for me.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Yeah, I mean it really shows a lack of consideration.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
For others exactly, and maybe even a sense of entitlement. Right,
So think about it. Have you ever seen someone being
rude to service staff?
Speaker 2 (03:24):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
And how did it make you feel?
Speaker 3 (03:27):
I don't know, it just kind of rubbed me the wrong.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Way, right, it makes you question their character?
Speaker 3 (03:32):
Yeah, totally.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
So it really makes you think about how we want
to treat people, you know. Sure, do we approach these
interactions with kindness and respect even when things aren't going
perfectly exactly?
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Because everyone deserves to be treated with dignity absolutely.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Okay, ready for a completely random one. Hit me, What
do you think your shoes say about you?
Speaker 3 (03:53):
My shoes?
Speaker 1 (03:54):
Yeah? Your shoes Apparently they can reveal a lot about
your personality.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Oh way, seriously.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
Yeah. There was this study published in Science Direct where
they had people submit photos of their most worn shoes
and then they had another group of people look at
those photos and guess the personality of the shoe.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
Owner and what do they find.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Well, for one thing, people who preferred comfortable shoes were
often seen as being more agreeable. Agreeable, Yeah, you know,
it's easy to get along with. No, And then those
who liked less comfortable shoes were perceived as calmer, but
also maybe more likely to internalize pain.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
Internalize pain? What does that even mean?
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Well, the researchers thought it could be that people who
choose style over comfort might be more willing to put
up with discomfort in other areas of their life too.
Speaker 3 (04:40):
Hmm.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
Interesting, So like they might be more stoic or less
likely to express their feelings.
Speaker 3 (04:46):
Oh, I see.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
And then there were some other interesting findings too, like
ankle boots were linked to aggression really yeah, and people
who preferred brand new or super clean shoes were seen
as more anxious and clingy.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Oh that's so fascinating.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
I know right. It makes you look at your own
shoes and whole new light for sure. So what kind
of shoes are you wearing today? Hmmm?
Speaker 3 (05:09):
I think I'll keep that a secret.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
Fair enough. Yeah, but it just goes to show that
even the most mundane choices can say something.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
About who we are totally and we might not even
realize it.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Okay, So let's talk about eye contact now. Okay, how
often someone makes eye contact or avoids. It can tell
you a lot about what they're thinking and feeling.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Yeah, eye contact is definitely a powerful form of communication.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Researchers at Cornell University found that we tend to look
away when we're feeling embarrassed or when we're deep in thought.
That makes sense, like we need to disconnect from the
outside world to focus internally.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
Yeah, I do that all the time.
Speaker 1 (05:44):
And on the flip side, people who make more eye
contact are often seen as more dominant.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
And confidence right, It's like they're asserting themselves exactly.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
But of course cultural norms play a role too.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
Oh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
In some cultures, prolonged eye contact can be seen as rude, right,
But in many Western cultures it's seen as a sign
of sincerity and attentiveness.
Speaker 3 (06:04):
So it's really all about context exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
It's amazing how much we communicate without even saying a word.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
It really is.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
So pay attention to your own eye contact habits. Do
you tend to hold people's gaze or look away?
Speaker 3 (06:17):
It's something to think about.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
Okay, now let's talk about handshakes. Okay, have you ever
gotten a really weak handshake?
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Yeah, it's the.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
Worst, Like the dreaded dead fish exact. Or on the
other hand, a handshake that's so strong it practically crushes
your bones.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Oh yeah, those are bad too.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
But did you know that your handshake can actually reveal
something about your personality? Really? Yeah. There was a study
of the University of Alabama where they had people shake
hands and then they assess their personality interested and they
found that a firmer handshake was linked to extraversion and
openness to new experiences, so like a more outgoing personality exactly,
And a weaker handshake was associated with shyness and.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Euroticism, so like a more reserved personality, right, And a.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Firmer handshake also tends to make a better first impression.
It makes sense, shows confidence and assertiveness.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
So what's the ideal handshake then?
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Well, I guess it's somewhere in between, you know, firm
but not bone crushing.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
Okay, got it.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
So think about your own handshake. What message is it sending?
Good point? Okay, Moving on to something that can be
a bit of a sensitive topic. Punctuality. Oh yeah, are
you someone who's always on time or are you perpetually
running late?
Speaker 2 (07:28):
I try to be on time, but sometimes life gets
in the way.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Right, And sometimes it feels like there's a deeper reason
for lateness, you know.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Like it's not just about poor time manage it exactly.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
Well, there was this interesting research by Jeff Kanti. He
looked at New York City subway operators and found a
link between multitasking and being late.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Multitasking and being late.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Yeah, it sounds strange, but his theory is that when
we're constantly switching between tasks, we lose track.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
Of time, Like we're not fully aware of how long
things are taking.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Exactly, and so we end up underestimating how much time
we need. That makes sense, and it's not necessarily intentional.
It's just that our brains are so focused on juggling
everything else right, And of course some people just have
a more relaxed attitude towards time tue. So think about yourself.
Are you a multitasker?
Speaker 3 (08:15):
I definitely am.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
And do you struggle with punctuality sometimes? Yeah, maybe there's
connection there.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
It's possible.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
It's just something to consider. Okay, all right, let's talk
about something else that could be a bit of a
pet peeve. Yeah, you know when someone gets something for
themselves but doesn't even think to ask if you want anything?
Oh yeah, I hate Like they'll bring home takeout or coffee,
and it's like they completely forgot you exist.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
It's so inconsiderate.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
It can feel really hurtful, even if it's not intentional, right.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
Like they're not even thinking about your needs exactly.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
It can make you feel unimportant totally. Now, it could
just be a momentary lapse in thought, right, but if
it happens all the time, it might be a sign
of something.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Deeper, Like maybe they're just really self centered.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Yeah, or maybe they're not very thoughtful.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Oh maybe they're just cheap.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Uh yeah, that's always a possibility.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
But seriously, it's the little things that show you care.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Totally, Like just asking hey, do you want anything exactly?
Speaker 3 (09:13):
It goes a long way.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
Okay, let's move on to something a little more subtle.
You know those little digs that some people like to make,
Like what like those backhanded compliments? Are those questions that
are actually insults in disguise?
Speaker 3 (09:25):
Oh yeah, I know.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
I means they'll say something like you actually like that band.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Yeah, or you're still reading those kinds of books.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Right, It's like they're trying to make you feel bad
about your choices totally.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
It's so passive aggressive you can.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Really make you question yourself.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
Yeah, and it can be hard to call them out
on it because.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
It's so subtle, exactly.
Speaker 1 (09:42):
But if you find that you're constantly feeling judged or
put down by someone's comments, it might be a sign
that they're not a very positive person, right.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
They might be insecure and need to put others down
to feel better about themselves.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
And it's important to be aware of whether you might
be doing this yourself.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
Oh, yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
Because sometimes we can say things without realizing how they
might be perceived.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
Totally. It's all about self awareness.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
Okay, ready for the most unexpected one.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
I am intrigued where you.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Look when you drink from a cup? Yeah, apparently you
can say something about your personality. Seriously, seriously. So, if
you look over the rim of your cup, you might
be more extroverted, trusting, and care free. Interesting, And if
you look into your cup, you might be more introspective,
self aware and idealistic.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Huh. That's kind of cool.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
And if you close your eyes, you might be experiencing
some pain or discomfort and seeking pleasure or relief.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
I'm never gonna look at drinking the same way again.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Right. It's crazy how much we can learn from these
little things.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
It's a whole new world of observation.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
So there you have it, nine seemingly insignificant behaviors that
can reveal a surprising amount about who we are.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
It's all about paying attention to the details.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
So what little things do you think reveal the most
about a person.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
It's something to think about.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
This deep dive has definitely given me a lot to
ponder me too, and I hope it's giving you some
food for thought as well.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Thanks for joining us.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Until next time, keep exploring those little windows into personality.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
And remember you never know what you might discover.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
See you next time.
Have you ever like noticed someone doing something and it
just like totally changes your opinion of them? Oh yeah, totally,
Like maybe they cut someone off in traffic, or they're
really rude to a cashire.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Yeah, or like even just the way they carry their bag.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
Right, and it's like suddenly you think you've got them
all figured out.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
It's like our brains are always looking for these little clues,
you know, to decode the people around us.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
Yeah, totally, And today we're going to do a deep
dive into that idea. You know how these little things
we do can actually tell us a lot about.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Who we are exactly. And we're not just talking about
like you know, big life decisions or anything. We're talking
about everyday habits, as almost unconscious things we do, right, Like.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Those little things you might not even think twice.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
About exactly, And we've got some fascinating research to back
it up.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
Okay, so let's get right into it. We're gonna explore
nine of these little things.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
So first step, our relationship with our phones. Are you
someone who's always checking their phone?
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (00:58):
I know a few people like that, right, I mean,
it's practically an extension of our hands these days totally.
But did you know that researchers at the University of
Derby and Nottingham Trent University actually looked into this really Yeah,
they found that constantly checking your phone could actually be
linked to some mental health struggles.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
Wow, that's interesting.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Yeah, so for some people, the phone becomes like a refuge.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
You know, like a way to escape exactly, a.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Way to soothe anxieties or just distract themselves from difficult emotions.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Oh yeah, I can totally see.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
That, right, It's like a digital comfort blanket.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
And I bet social media plays a big role in
that too.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Oh absolutely, especially when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed. It's
so easy to just mindlessly scroll.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
Totally, it's like an automatic response.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
And the researchers also found a link between lower levels
of what they call diligence and phone addiction. Diligence yeah,
basically being organized and disciplined in your daily life. Oh okay,
so people who struggle with time management and staying on
top of things in the real world might also find
it hard to regulate their phone use.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
That makes sense.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
So you know that friend who's always refreshing their news feed,
or your teenager who's glued to TikTok.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
While it could be that they're genuinely interested in what
they're seeing, right, it could also be a sign of
something deeper. Yeah, you know, like maybe they're struggling with
self control or they're using their phone to cope with something.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
Yeah. It's definitely something to think about.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
For sure. And this isn't about judging anyone. It's just
about being more aware of our own habits and why
we do the things we do, right, Like.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
What triggers us to reach for our phones in the
first place.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Exactly. Okay, So moving on from a digital world, let's
talk about how we treat people in service roles. Okay,
you know, like waiters, cashiers, baristas, that kind of thing. Yeah,
did you know that this can actually tell you a
lot about someone's character, really. Yeah. It's like a little
window into their empathy, their stress management, and just their
(02:54):
overall respect for others.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Hmmm, that's interesting.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
I remember once I was on a date and the
guy was so rude to the waiter. It was like
a complete turn off, Like he was snapping his fingers,
making demands, just being generally dismissive. Oh no, and it
was over something so minor like a delayed drink order. Wow,
it was like a huge red flag for me.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Yeah, I mean it really shows a lack of consideration.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
For others exactly, and maybe even a sense of entitlement. Right,
So think about it. Have you ever seen someone being
rude to service staff?
Speaker 2 (03:24):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
And how did it make you feel?
Speaker 3 (03:27):
I don't know, it just kind of rubbed me the wrong.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Way, right, it makes you question their character?
Speaker 3 (03:32):
Yeah, totally.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
So it really makes you think about how we want
to treat people, you know. Sure, do we approach these
interactions with kindness and respect even when things aren't going
perfectly exactly?
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Because everyone deserves to be treated with dignity absolutely.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Okay, ready for a completely random one. Hit me, What
do you think your shoes say about you?
Speaker 3 (03:53):
My shoes?
Speaker 1 (03:54):
Yeah? Your shoes Apparently they can reveal a lot about
your personality.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
Oh way, seriously.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
Yeah. There was this study published in Science Direct where
they had people submit photos of their most worn shoes
and then they had another group of people look at
those photos and guess the personality of the shoe.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
Owner and what do they find.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Well, for one thing, people who preferred comfortable shoes were
often seen as being more agreeable. Agreeable, Yeah, you know,
it's easy to get along with. No, And then those
who liked less comfortable shoes were perceived as calmer, but
also maybe more likely to internalize pain.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
Internalize pain? What does that even mean?
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Well, the researchers thought it could be that people who
choose style over comfort might be more willing to put
up with discomfort in other areas of their life too.
Speaker 3 (04:40):
Hmm.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
Interesting, So like they might be more stoic or less
likely to express their feelings.
Speaker 3 (04:46):
Oh, I see.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
And then there were some other interesting findings too, like
ankle boots were linked to aggression really yeah, and people
who preferred brand new or super clean shoes were seen
as more anxious and clingy.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Oh that's so fascinating.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
I know right. It makes you look at your own
shoes and whole new light for sure. So what kind
of shoes are you wearing today? Hmmm?
Speaker 3 (05:09):
I think I'll keep that a secret.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
Fair enough. Yeah, but it just goes to show that
even the most mundane choices can say something.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
About who we are totally and we might not even
realize it.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Okay, So let's talk about eye contact now. Okay, how
often someone makes eye contact or avoids. It can tell
you a lot about what they're thinking and feeling.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Yeah, eye contact is definitely a powerful form of communication.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Researchers at Cornell University found that we tend to look
away when we're feeling embarrassed or when we're deep in thought.
That makes sense, like we need to disconnect from the
outside world to focus internally.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
Yeah, I do that all the time.
Speaker 1 (05:44):
And on the flip side, people who make more eye
contact are often seen as more dominant.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
And confidence right, It's like they're asserting themselves exactly.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
But of course cultural norms play a role too.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
Oh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
In some cultures, prolonged eye contact can be seen as rude, right,
But in many Western cultures it's seen as a sign
of sincerity and attentiveness.
Speaker 3 (06:04):
So it's really all about context exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
It's amazing how much we communicate without even saying a word.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
It really is.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
So pay attention to your own eye contact habits. Do
you tend to hold people's gaze or look away?
Speaker 3 (06:17):
It's something to think about.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
Okay, now let's talk about handshakes. Okay, have you ever
gotten a really weak handshake?
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Yeah, it's the.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
Worst, Like the dreaded dead fish exact. Or on the
other hand, a handshake that's so strong it practically crushes
your bones.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Oh yeah, those are bad too.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
But did you know that your handshake can actually reveal
something about your personality? Really? Yeah. There was a study
of the University of Alabama where they had people shake
hands and then they assess their personality interested and they
found that a firmer handshake was linked to extraversion and
openness to new experiences, so like a more outgoing personality exactly,
And a weaker handshake was associated with shyness and.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Euroticism, so like a more reserved personality, right, And a.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Firmer handshake also tends to make a better first impression.
It makes sense, shows confidence and assertiveness.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
So what's the ideal handshake then?
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Well, I guess it's somewhere in between, you know, firm
but not bone crushing.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
Okay, got it.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
So think about your own handshake. What message is it sending?
Good point? Okay, Moving on to something that can be
a bit of a sensitive topic. Punctuality. Oh yeah, are
you someone who's always on time or are you perpetually
running late?
Speaker 2 (07:28):
I try to be on time, but sometimes life gets
in the way.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Right, And sometimes it feels like there's a deeper reason
for lateness, you know.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Like it's not just about poor time manage it exactly.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
Well, there was this interesting research by Jeff Kanti. He
looked at New York City subway operators and found a
link between multitasking and being late.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Multitasking and being late.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Yeah, it sounds strange, but his theory is that when
we're constantly switching between tasks, we lose track.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
Of time, Like we're not fully aware of how long
things are taking.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Exactly, and so we end up underestimating how much time
we need. That makes sense, and it's not necessarily intentional.
It's just that our brains are so focused on juggling
everything else right, And of course some people just have
a more relaxed attitude towards time tue. So think about yourself.
Are you a multitasker?
Speaker 3 (08:15):
I definitely am.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
And do you struggle with punctuality sometimes? Yeah, maybe there's
connection there.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
It's possible.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
It's just something to consider. Okay, all right, let's talk
about something else that could be a bit of a
pet peeve. Yeah, you know when someone gets something for
themselves but doesn't even think to ask if you want anything?
Oh yeah, I hate Like they'll bring home takeout or coffee,
and it's like they completely forgot you exist.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
It's so inconsiderate.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
It can feel really hurtful, even if it's not intentional, right.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
Like they're not even thinking about your needs exactly.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
It can make you feel unimportant totally. Now, it could
just be a momentary lapse in thought, right, but if
it happens all the time, it might be a sign
of something.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Deeper, Like maybe they're just really self centered.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Yeah, or maybe they're not very thoughtful.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Oh maybe they're just cheap.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Uh yeah, that's always a possibility.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
But seriously, it's the little things that show you care.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Totally, Like just asking hey, do you want anything exactly?
Speaker 3 (09:13):
It goes a long way.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
Okay, let's move on to something a little more subtle.
You know those little digs that some people like to make,
Like what like those backhanded compliments? Are those questions that
are actually insults in disguise?
Speaker 3 (09:25):
Oh yeah, I know.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
I means they'll say something like you actually like that band.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Yeah, or you're still reading those kinds of books.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Right, It's like they're trying to make you feel bad
about your choices totally.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
It's so passive aggressive you can.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Really make you question yourself.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
Yeah, and it can be hard to call them out
on it because.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
It's so subtle, exactly.
Speaker 1 (09:42):
But if you find that you're constantly feeling judged or
put down by someone's comments, it might be a sign
that they're not a very positive person, right.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
They might be insecure and need to put others down
to feel better about themselves.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
And it's important to be aware of whether you might
be doing this yourself.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
Oh, yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
Because sometimes we can say things without realizing how they
might be perceived.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
Totally. It's all about self awareness.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
Okay, ready for the most unexpected one.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
I am intrigued where you.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Look when you drink from a cup? Yeah, apparently you
can say something about your personality. Seriously, seriously. So, if
you look over the rim of your cup, you might
be more extroverted, trusting, and care free. Interesting, And if
you look into your cup, you might be more introspective,
self aware and idealistic.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Huh. That's kind of cool.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
And if you close your eyes, you might be experiencing
some pain or discomfort and seeking pleasure or relief.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
I'm never gonna look at drinking the same way again.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Right. It's crazy how much we can learn from these
little things.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
It's a whole new world of observation.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
So there you have it, nine seemingly insignificant behaviors that
can reveal a surprising amount about who we are.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
It's all about paying attention to the details.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
So what little things do you think reveal the most
about a person.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
It's something to think about.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
This deep dive has definitely given me a lot to
ponder me too, and I hope it's giving you some
food for thought as well.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Thanks for joining us.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
Until next time, keep exploring those little windows into personality.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
And remember you never know what you might discover.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
See you next time.
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!