Men putting their hands in their pants, there was a reason...the principle of stroking a beard
Jul 25, 2025
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Men are often seen walking or standing with one hand in their pants on the bus, at the train station, or on the street.
According to the British media Daily Mail, experts explained this for psychological and physiological reasons.
Martin Brooks, a body language coach, argued in an interview with The Times in the United Kingdom that `such behavior of men can be a means of self-comforting' at the same time as 'displacement activity' to relieve tension.'
He also explained that "the same principle that people unconsciously feel secure through actions such as stroking their whiskers, like oxytocin secreted through physical contact.'
These acts are witnessed not only among ordinary people but also among celebrities.
According to the Daily Mail, Hollywood actor Tom Hardy was seen putting his hands in his pants while walking in his sweatpants, while British rapper Central made headlines by posing with his hands in his pants on the red carpet at the 2022 Fashion Awards. Kit Harrington, the actor of Game of Thrones, was also captured on camera with his hands deep in his pants.
Martin Brooks analyzes that this habit goes beyond just psychological responses and is also related to changes in 'social norms'.
He argued that "Young men express masculinity in their own way, and sometimes contain the meaning of a backlash against the older generation.'
Darren Stanton, another behavioural psychology expert, said "The standard of behavior that people allow in public after COVID-19 has changed."``````````````````````", he pointed out.
Sociologist Dr. Frank Puredi added that `such behavior of men is not just a pursuit of comfort, but also an expression of acceptance and freedom of sex.'
In an interview with American media outlet Cosmopolitan, Dr. Babak Ashrafi said, "In addition to simple pranks and habits, these behaviors can result from actual medical or psychological reasons." he said.
For example, adjustment due to discomfort in underwear, itching due to mold infection or skin irritation, temperature control, stress relief or boredom, or anxiety.
Dr. Ashrafi says, `Inconsciously rubbing parts of the body can help relieve tension by releasing oxytocin, even if it's a non-sexual stimulus", he explained.
Such habits may be unconscious self-comfort to some, but they are still behaviors that can offend others in public. Therefore, it is time to balance social consideration and personal expression.
Psychologists said "In a space with others, even personal habits require a certain moderation."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
