Lately I've been giving some thought to tics, mannerisms and habits because these kind of details help physically personalize a character, which I've been trying to work on. As such, and also because I have an hour and a half left at the office and everyone else is officially one, I'm wondering what sort are out there. If you, too, are bored, feel free to add -- these are kinda interesting.
Because fair is fair, some of mine (minus actual compulsions). Mine are largely physical, but phonic/mental habits are also applicable.
- Drum the fingers of my right hand once when initiating an action (against the table when I answer the phone, or against my thigh when I stand up or hesitate upon standing up)
- Run my hand once under the faucet after touching the lid of a trashcan (no soap or scrubbing, just the water)
- Steeple my fingers in front of my face, index fingers touching my lips, when thinking
- End showers by bending over to touch the bottom of the tub in order to limber myself up under the hot water
- Abruptly jerk my neck to the side for no apparent reason
- Fold one arm behind me so the top of it and my hand are pressed against my back (usually the left)
- Make clicking noise in the back of my throat when considering something
- Make random flexing/stroking movements with the fingers of both hands
(Conversely, if you don't have/want to share your own mannerisms I will also accept those displayed by your characters.)