The world looks much different when viewed from a different perspective, and few people know this better than the next category in our countdown, the leaning-folk. Leaning in any direction gives off a separate vibe. Obviously, there are many different directions to lean - north, south, east, west, and every direction in between the four (I guess that would include the up- and down-directions, but for the sake of simplicity, let's keep this strictly two-dimensional). Because I want to keep topics open for future blogs, and because I'm just lazy that way, I will focus on just the relative backwards lean.
Users of the gymnastics' tumblers and recent dance floors know there are few moves harder to pull off (and more impressive on the completion) than the back-bend. In that position, however, you can look either at the ceiling or directly behind you at a close-to-the-floor upside-down angle - both angles are likely vastly different from all of your adoring fans. Casual backwards leans are likewise able to give you give separate views, and are used as such. When was the last time, upon completion of a lengthy essay or strenuous office report, you leaned back in your chair to stretch your weary muscles and review the fruits of your hard-work?
I have also seen many a person who, when shown something surprising, revolting or invasive of their personal space, will instinctively lean back (often accompanied by a few steps in reverse) to add some extra room between them and the object in question. Upon completion of this act, they will then begin the conscious effort of scrutinizing the object and determine if it is worthy of much more of their valuable attention.
Oddly enough, other than the examples explained above, the use of leaning back to portray a certain expression or emotion usually is done in a comical or humorous context, such as the dead-drop-backward-fall faint frequently done in comedy sketches and cartoons.
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