What Can Cigarettes Tell Us About Personality Traits?

In 1953, a Los Angeles psychoanalyst named Dr. William Nuetra was studying how the position of a cigarette in one's hand can possibly signal certain character and emotional traits. He observed that much like walking and sleeping, how a smoker holds a cigarette can be an indicator of personality. In other words, is there a correlation between how we hold a cigarette and our inner selves? This specialist further pointed out that more robust analyses were subsequently needed to treat all patients. According to Dr. Neutra, women were especially concerned with their regular posture. What Can Cigarettes Tell Us About Personality Traits
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Their attitudes were more conscious and possibly distorted the results of the study. Still, the conclusions that follow are a direct results of the findings of this experiment. For instance, Some people (mostly women) will hold a cigarette with both hands. According to the doctor, this signals anguish and insecurity; the cigarette being transformed into an object of desire which we are afraid to lose. Anxiety is likely to be one of the most predominant emotions. This is also a basic tenet within the study of psychoanalysis. The emotion will trigger certain defence mechanisms which are designed to protect the mind from dangerous situations. According to Sigmund Freud, such a mentality may manifest itself through the fear of abandonment, the fear of losing a loved one or object (the cigarette in this case) or losing the love of a valuable item within our life.

Cigarette Lassitude (Weariness)

Men and women express a sense of weariness when holding their cigarette facing up between their thumb and forefinger. This can also display boredom when within a situation of little interest to them. The cigarette becomes a toy; the only distraction that they have to occupy their mind. Indeed, many experts have studied this state of discouragement. This is the very same state of mind that people tend to try to avoid at all costs. What Can Cigarettes Tell Us About Personality Traits
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In a way, such behaviour shows that boredom is nothing more than a state of psychological fatigue. It can occur when there is a lack of information to keep the mind occupied or when the situation itself causes little stimulation. Unlike the previous case when an external factor would dictate a response, it is the activity itself that become annoying. The smoker has no other choice than to seek entertainment through becoming distracted by the cigarette.

The Intellectual Cigarette

Some individuals will unknowingly display their intellectual side. This is often displayed by those who are considered to be intellectuals and thinkers. Rather masculine, it is characterised by a cigarette held between the middle finger and the base of the index finger. When viewed in public, it illustrates that the individual escapes into his own subconscious from time to time. The duration of this state will entirely depend upon the thoughts themselves. What Can Cigarettes Tell Us About Personality Traits
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Some believe that this condition "stretches" out as more time passes. In other words, the smoker will have more difficulty putting his or her thoughts into the correct place. It is an undeniable fact that smoking can cause a number of health issues such as lung problems, cardiovascular disease and mouth cancer. However, researchers also point out that smoking can likewise damage the brain. It may adversely impact memory, reasoning and learning skills. Should you happen upon an individual that is holding their cigarette in such a fashion, it is always wise to ask what may be bothering them.

The Unreliable Cigarette

In this situation, the cigarette will be held in a perpendicular fashion between the middle and index fingers. This signals a state of doubt. It may also be held facing down between the tips of all of the fingers except the little finger. Many state that this is quite a masculine position. According to Dr. William Neutra, those who hold their cigarette in such a fashion are seen as being less than trustworthy. What Can Cigarettes Tell Us About Personality Traits
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They are prone to deep thoughts and have a difficult character to understand. They can be storytellers and are heavily rooted within the confines of their own mind. Some experts state that while this individual can outwardly appear to be nearly impossible to interpret, there are still some signs that can give away such an inner character. If a woman encounters a man who holds his cigarette in such an indecisive way, be careful; he may not be as honest as he appears.

The Stubborn Cigarette

Like the other positions, the cigarette will be held downwards in this situation. It is placed between the end of the index finger and the thumb. Other fingers may be crossed over the palm of the hand in a protective manner. Obstinate and stubborn men will often hold their cigarette in this fashion. They tend to be fixed in their ways and resolute in their mindset; even if their views are known to be incorrect. This can be seen as a form of psychological rigidity. What Can Cigarettes Tell Us About Personality Traits
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Specialists consider stubbornness to be a natural defence mechanism. This can manifest itself obsessively when one always has to always be correct or is forced to manage new and unexpected situations. Such resistance and inability to change can have a pronounced impact upon one's life. This can be even more profound when perfectionism is concurrently displayed and when every detail needs to be planned and studied. If you happen to encounter someone who holds a cigarette in this manner and you are likewise a bit stubborn, be careful. Trouble may not be far off.

The Friendly Cigarette

You may be surprised to learn that this position is quite similar to the aforementioned stubborn cigarette. The only difference is seen in the fact that as opposed to the fingers being firmly clasped over the palm (a possible sign of repulsion), they are held out open in an accepting manner. This is typically seen with those who are in good humour and are conciliatory towards other people. It is a gesture that expresses social cohesion, friendship and a propensity to accommodate the desires of friends. What Can Cigarettes Tell Us About Personality Traits
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Numerous psychologists have studied this trait over the years. It shows that friendliness is a massive concern and that the feelings of others are taken into account. The emotions of an individual are highly valued and in turn, the smoker will feel a greater sense of vigour. This is a psychological state that is similar to empathy and compassion. If you happen to come across someone holding a cigarette in this way, do not hesitate to strike up a conversation. In all likelihood, you will find them to be quite pleasant.
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