9 small things you do that people use to judge your personality

Whether it's a date or a job interview, the small stuff matters — from your handshake to your taste in music

Putin said he was committed to the ceasefire but has reportedly moved artillery to north Syria (Getty Images)

From the moment two people meet, they're sizing each other up.

Whether it's a date or a job interview, the small stuff matters — from the firmness of your handshake to your taste in music.

Below we've listed nine of the most common behaviors people use to judge you.

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1. Your handshake

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Firm handshakes communicate strength and confidence. A weak handshake could signal meekness.

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2. Your punctuality

Being on time is a sign that you’re organised and proactive. Late people can be seen as procrastinators.

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3. Your handwriting

Graphologist Kathi McKnight says that large letters indicate you’re extroverted, while small letters suggest shyness.

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4. Your favourite colour

Industrial psychologist Bernardo Tirado says red lovers are tenacious, while yellow lovers find happiness easily.

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5. Your taste in music

"Systemisers" are less stimulated by how the music makes them feel than by its structural qualities ( (Getty Images)

One study found that people who listen to ‘upbeat and conventional’ jams are more likely to be outgoing and athletic.

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6. Your eye contact

Psychologist Adrian Furnham, PhD, says confident extroverts tend to look more often and for longer at their partners.

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7. Your choice of pet

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One study found that dog people are generally more energetic, while cat people are smarter and more sensitive.

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8. How you ask questions

The questions you ask – and how long it takes you to ask them – reveal how much of a ‘giver’ or ‘taker’ you are.

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9. Whether you bite your nails

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Research suggest that those who bite their nails, pull their hair, or pick their skin tend to be anxious perfectionists.

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