For the most, the only time I've come into contact with either of the OP's examples has generally been either in the workplace, or when dealing with military or ex-military.

One of my co-workers was ex-Navy, and the "no hands in pockets" thing was really deeply driven into him. Which makes sense, I suppose, when you're living on a ship (a la the old sailing phrase "one hand for yourself, one for the ship.")

The hat, thing, too - I only have experience in context within the military.

Personally, I do think there's something to body language, a la keeping your hands in your pockets. If you're trying to project an image of professionalism and readiness, then that's certainly not going to be a good posture for you. Myself, I've learned over my time in the workplace that small things like this really can make a difference - and it's a habit I had to work at divesting myself of.

Like it or not, as human beings we're constantly picking up on subtle cues and body language and forming opinions when dealing with other people. You literally can't not do it.

I can easily imagine going to a bank to open up a major account (and in this hypothetical I actually had enough money where any of this would matter, of course.) I see two clerks, both dressed in business suits. One is leaning back with his hands in his pockets; the other leaning forward with his hands in plain view. All other things being equal - I'm sure I'd instinctively pick the latter. I might not even necessarily be aware of any particular difference, or even give it any thought. But subconsciously I could easily see myself gravitating towards someone who was projecting the proper body language.

When you have your hands in your pocket you are closing yourself, it's similar to folding your arms or holding an object in your arms, it's body language, and it means that you create a barrier between yourself and the person that you are engaging with, i haven't thought much about this but it seems logical, as you want your kids to be open and full of confidence.

Ooooh, bio-truths and evo-psych! Sure fire way to sound completely ridiculous when discussing something!

I never had anyone say this until recently I was having dinner with my grandmother last week and she said to take my hat off. I don't understand the problem with it either, it's just an article of clothing no different than the shirt I was wearing.

Heh that's funny, I have been scolded it's bad manners to offer your left hand to shake. I always do though because I think it's more hygenic. Most people are right handed and are likely to touch more germ-y stuff with it so I try to get the pre-emptory left handed shake offer in first.

Well, you see, it obscures your face so for all that your grandmother knew, you could be a, or;
1) Stranger
2) Concealing a firearm
3) Have malicious intentions against her
4) Be dishonest
5) Lack respect for her
6) Intent to conspire

Yeah there is always that risk. And I should know, because I shot my grandma.

Yeah, when I wore a hat all the time, a secret council I created frequently discussed: How can we get EA, Activision and Ubisoft to assassinate Chris' grandmothers' dog so that she will be sent into a despression and in a desperate attempt to fill the void, buy him whatever he pointed at, then sell it on the black market and fund our operation and ultimate goal of a one-world government?

Hats will make you do crazy things!

Yes, a lot of our customs and etiquette is based on archaic principles that have little-to-no application in the modern world, but this doesn't change the fact that as a member of society we are obligated to follow them in more formal situations or be ostracized or otherwise have our social/career standing damaged.

All we can do is wait it out and slowly erode them away in less formal situations. Remember: it wasn't all that long ago when left-handed people would be forced to try and use their right hand for things.

Culture is what I am guessing. Us human beings love to make something our culture no matter how silly it is.

The only thing I can tcome up with for number 1- Maybe trying to break an early habit of being introverted. When I see people that are introverted I usually see them with their hands tucked somewhere be it pants, armpits, clutching onto something. It's just a guess.

I know number 2 came waaaaay before our military because a passage in the Bible tells us to worship with our heads uncovered. I'm using this as evidence not as a religious conversation. I for one only take my hat off in church. Other then that I always wear a hat. I fought my teachers in high school and told them the hat rule was stupid. I ended up losing but whatever. I always wear a hat no matter what because when I was in elementary and junior high school, everyone made fun of how thin my hair was. Every time I take it off in public those feelings come back again and I think people are judging me based on my thin hair. I hate hate hate the no hat rule. I almost dropped a class last semester because my teacher told me I couldn't wear a hat.. She found out very soon that I didn't care what she said.




So glad that isn't around anymore. I'd be the town outcast. I don't learn too good...

From now on, I'm going to wear my hat indoors while putting my hands in my pockets.

Fun idea. Try showing people the peace sign(http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Wicca%20&%20Witchcraft/peace_3.jpg) in different countries all over the world. Then try the same thing with the middle finger(http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h389/Nemephosis/middle-finger.jpg). Also try repeating that with staring(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pj9fJGBMFVQ/TDnKUprWwtI/AAAAAAAAAUY/jdGGN86qRPg/s1600/Prince+Staring.gif). Finally try waving(http://www.elakiri.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=2062&pictureid=8697) in the same context.

Have your running shoes on and an empty stomach. One way your running because you insulted them and the other you are probably being welcomed in and most cultural norms involve feeding you at first contact.

It is all just cultural things for the most part. Most are learned responses that different peoples have accumulated over centuries of sub-conscious societal programming.

No public drunkedness? Come on, whats all that about? If it was legal everyone would be doing it and we'd be having a grand old time passing out in the gutter and abusing the elderly as a result.

I never wear a hat. But if I did, I'd tip it to a lady, of course!

Oh look, it's iGuess, returned after so long, still making feeble attempts at sounding intelligent.

1. It looks laid back, which isn't completely a bad thing depending on the scenario. School are places of formal education, thus you are expected to look formal in both dress code and manners. It could be considered bad manners to put your hands in your pockets because you look laid back and as if you don't care.

2. I have a friend who wears his hat constantly inside and out, you don't do it, or shouldn't, for the same reason you don't on an umbrella in doors or wear a hood. It isn't raining inside so it serves no purpose in that scenario, the only other reason you should wear a hat indoors is if the place is freezing so you can keep your head/ears warm. If your hair is a mess, fix it yourself and stop being lazy and take some pride in your appearance instead of moaning about rules/tradition/formalities

1. To prove you aren't a self abuser.

2. To prove you aren't a Richard Cranium.

To put it tactfully.

That's a much better idea than the morningstar I've been using.

I once tripped with my hands in my pockets.

That paints a funny picture in my head. Falling and not giving a single [censored] about it.

I fell with my arms inside my Tshirt, OWWW!

Come on, we all know it was a straitjacket.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkMvKeX7erI

Taking a hat off comes from when hats used to also include helmets, with visors.. where keeping your helmet on meant you were ready for battle.

And walking into a castle hall not ones own with ones helmet donned, is like walking into a bank these days wearing a crash helmet and looking like the Stig... it's just *not* done.

How does the Stig open up a bank account then?

online.