*Source: [show, don't tell – @lyralit on Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/lyralit/687605346469068800/show-dont-tell-anticipation-bouncing-legs)*

**show, don't tell:**

_Anticipation_
- Bouncing legs
- Darting eyes
- Breathing deeply
- Useless / mindless tasks
- Eyes on the clock
- Checking and re-checking

_Frustration_
- Grumbling
- Heavy footsteps
- Hot flush
- Narrowed eyes
- Pointing fingers
- Pacing / stomping

_Sadness_
- Eyes filling up with tears
- Blinking quickly
- Hiccuped breaths
- Face turned away
- Red / burning cheeks
- Short sentences with gulps

_Happiness_
- Smiling / cheeks hurting
- Animated
- Chest hurts from laughing
- Rapid movements
- Eye contact
- Quick speaking

_Boredom_
- Complaining
- Sighing
- Grumbling
- Pacing
- Leg bouncing
- Picking at nails

_Fear_
- Quick heartbeat
- Shaking / clammy hands
- Pinching self
- Tuck away
- Closing eyes
- Clenched hands

_Disappointment_
- No eye contact
- Hard swallow
- Clenched hands
- Tears, occasionally
- _Mhm-hmm_

_Tiredness_
- Spacing out
- Eyes closing
- Nodding head absently
- Long sighs
- No eye contact
- Grim smile

_Confidence_
- Prolonged eye contact
- Appreciates instead of apologizing
- Active listening
- Shoulders back
- Micro reactions