Imagine you’re on the Paris metro or in a waiting area, and someone across the aisle starts picking their nose without hesitation. A broad sense of discomfort. But why is this gesture so popular, despite the fact that it is typically considered inappropriate? Most importantly, what does it reveal about us? Spoiler: it’s more than just clearing one’s nostrils, according to psychologist Alain Foucard.

A reflex. But not so trivial.

You might think it’s simply a physiological gesture, like scratching or blowing your nose. After all, who hasn’t had a plugged nose in the middle of a meeting or on the RER? However, this practice frequently draws unfavorable looks. And for good reason: in our culture, some things are considered private, and picking your nose in public is not one of them.

But be careful; it is not regarded the same way everywhere! In some cultures, this gesture can be interpreted as a utilitarian response to discomfort, with no specific taboo. It merely goes to demonstrate that everything depends on context

Stress, anxiety, and other psychological issues.

What appears to be a simple negative habit can actually conceal more complex feelings. Certain repetitive activities, such as picking one’s nose, are thought by psychologists to be an unconscious coping mechanism for stress or worry. When pressure mounts, some people resort to automatic actions to relieve internal stress.

This ties to another reality: impulsiveness. When we have difficulties controlling our actions or behave without thinking, we can engage in behaviors that we would not ordinarily engage in… even if they embarrass us little!

Is this a question of attention?

There is also a lesser-known but as intriguing avenue: attention-seeking. Making an uncommon gesture in public can be used to attract attention, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Yes, even if it is intended elicit a negative response! Some people prefer negative attention to total apathy.

Childhood tendencies that remain.

It is commonly believed that habits developed early in life are the most lasting. That is also true here! If a child grew up in an atmosphere where this type of behavior was not reprimanded or frowned upon, they are likely to continue doing it as adults without perceiving it as a problem. It’s similar to saying “hello” without kissing: how would you know if you hadn’t been taught it?

A absence of social reference points.

In other circumstances, the gesture could simply indicate a lack of knowledge of social codes. Education (whether family, school, or cultural) influences how we learn to act in society. And if this argument has been overlooked, it’s not unexpected that some etiquette norms have fallen out of favor.

So, what are your thoughts on all this?

Picking your nose in public may appear minor, or even offensive, to some, but it is far from inconsequential. Whether it’s stress, a need for attention, or a basic lack of social awareness, this modest gesture can disclose far more than it appears…

What if we learnt to read others’ gestures with inquiry rather than judgment?