Even the most patient among us have their limits.
Sometimes, those limits are reached gradually, with subtle cues that signal an impending storm. Paying attention to those cues could help if you want to avoid unintentionally triggering an outburst. So, if you want to stay on the good side of your generally chill friend, colleague, or partner, keep an eye out for these subtle behaviours that might indicate their patience is wearing thin.
1. Their smile becomes tight and forced.
A genuine smile reaches the eyes, but a forced one stays plastered on the lips. If you notice their smile doesn’t quite reach their eyes or seems a bit strained, it could be a sign that they’re trying to maintain composure despite mounting frustration.
2. Their responses become shorter and clipped.
While a patient person might usually engage in lengthy conversations and offer detailed explanations, their responses might become curt and concise when they’re nearing their breaking point. They might answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no” or offer minimal elaboration, indicating a desire to end the interaction or move on from the topic.
3. They start tapping their foot or fingers.
Physical cues like tapping, fidgeting, or restlessness can be signs of impatience or agitation. If you notice your normally calm companion suddenly tapping their foot or drumming their fingers on the table, it might be a subtle indication that they’re feeling annoyed or frustrated.
4. They avoid eye contact.
Maintaining eye contact is often a sign of engagement and interest. However, when a patient person starts to lose their cool, they might avert their gaze or look away. This could be a subconscious attempt to disengage from the situation or avoid further confrontation.
5. Their tone of voice becomes sharper or louder.
Even the most patient person’s voice can betray their emotions. If you notice their tone becoming sharper, more abrupt, or louder than usual, it could be a sign that they’re struggling to maintain their composure. A slight edge in their voice or a raised pitch might indicate rising irritation.
6. They use sarcasm or passive-aggressive comments.
While some people naturally use sarcasm as a form of humour, a sudden increase in sarcastic remarks or passive-aggressive comments from a usually patient person might signal underlying frustration. These indirect expressions of anger can be their way of venting their feelings without directly confronting the situation.
7. They withdraw from the conversation or situation.
Source: Unsplash When a patient person feels overwhelmed or on the verge of losing their cool, they might physically or emotionally withdraw from the conversation or situation. They might excuse themselves to another room, stop responding, or simply zone out. This could be their way of creating distance and regaining their composure.
8. They start using more negative language.
Source: Unsplash If you notice a shift in their vocabulary towards more negative or pessimistic terms, it could be a sign that their patience is wearing thin. They might use words like “annoying,” “frustrating,” or “ridiculous” more frequently, indicating a growing sense of irritation or displeasure.
9. Their breathing becomes shallow and rapid.
Source: Unsplash When someone is stressed or angry, their breathing tends to change. If you notice their breaths becoming shorter, faster, or more shallow, it could be a sign that they’re struggling to maintain their composure. This physical reaction to stress can be a precursor to an emotional outburst.
10. They clench their jaw or fists.
Source: Unsplash Clenching the jaw or fists is a classic sign of tension and anger. These subtle physical cues might indicate that a patient person is holding back their frustration and struggling to keep their emotions in check. If you notice these signs, it’s best to tread carefully and avoid escalating the situation.
11. They repeatedly check the time or their phone.
Source: Unsplash While occasionally checking the time is normal, repeatedly glancing at a clock or phone can be a sign of impatience or a desire to escape the situation. If a patient person is becoming increasingly agitated, they might subconsciously check the time as a way to gauge how much longer they have to endure the situation.
12. They become overly agreeable or compliant.
Source: Unsplash Sometimes, a patient person might try to avoid conflict by becoming overly agreeable or compliant, even if they disagree with what’s being said or done. This can be a way of appeasing people and preventing an outburst, but it can also be a sign that they’re reaching their limit and just want the situation to end.
13. They start pacing or moving around restlessly.
Source: Unsplash Pacing, shifting in their seat, or other restless movements can be a sign of pent-up energy and frustration. If a normally calm person starts to exhibit these behaviours, it could indicate that their patience is wearing thin, and they’re struggling to contain their emotions.
14. They make excuses to leave or end the interaction.
Source: Unsplash If a patient person feels like they’re about to lose their cool, they might try to find a way to escape the situation gracefully. They might suddenly remember an appointment they have to attend, claim they have work to do, or simply say they’re feeling tired. These excuses might be a way of avoiding a confrontation and giving themselves space to cool down.
