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Original poster

If you huff and puff constantly, why?

94 replies

TheChewdors · 30/07/2026 17:20

Genuine question. And yes, I know that in some cases it might be down to a medical condition. But if it’s not due to medical reasons, why do you do it?

I went into town earlier and came across two people, in separate shops, who were looking around, and constantly huffing and sighing. Then I went into a third shop, and the woman serving me was sighing loudly as she served me.

I think, unless it’s for a medical reason, that it’s actually pretty rude and anti social to walk around doing it!

OP posts:
pinenuts75 · 30/07/2026 17:48

TheChewdors · 30/07/2026 17:35

its not perfectly normal because if it was l, surely everyone would walk round doing it? Rather than just one or two people in a shop.

The woman serving me was also rolling her eyes so I don’t think she was sighing as a perfectly normal part of breathing. She was huffing as she didn’t want to do her job!

Show quote history

Probably fed up of serving people like you

Coconutter24 · 30/07/2026 17:46

I don’t do it a lot but I do find myself huffing and puffing when I’m tired and I cba but I’m trying to get housework done. It’s a way of venting but still getting the stuff I need done when I really don’t want to do it.
Maybe people that do it in public are having a hard day or are fed up. They might not even realise they’re doing it (I don’t always until my DH asks why I keep sighing)

CraftyNavySeal · 30/07/2026 17:45

As someone with chronic resting bitch face and otherwise uncontrollable facial expressions we can’t help it and don’t even realise we’re doing it so assume they’re the same.

FOJN · 30/07/2026 17:45

TheChewdors · 30/07/2026 17:35

its not perfectly normal because if it was l, surely everyone would walk round doing it? Rather than just one or two people in a shop.

The woman serving me was also rolling her eyes so I don’t think she was sighing as a perfectly normal part of breathing. She was huffing as she didn’t want to do her job!

Show quote history

Sighing is completely normal and not necessarily a sign of annoyance. Eye rolling not so much. These people don't know you so don't take it personally.

OldrNWisr · 30/07/2026 17:44

TheChewdors · 30/07/2026 17:36

But you are ‘policing’ them by sighing and making the fact that you think they are beneath you obvious.

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I do no such thing. You asked why people sigh, there are lots of reasons. This obviously about something that has happened to you personally, only you know the full circumstances and can judge why this happened. It’s unfair to ask a general question then tar all responses with the same brush.

SandwichSuperstar · 30/07/2026 17:43

TheChewdors · 30/07/2026 17:35

its not perfectly normal because if it was l, surely everyone would walk round doing it? Rather than just one or two people in a shop.

The woman serving me was also rolling her eyes so I don’t think she was sighing as a perfectly normal part of breathing. She was huffing as she didn’t want to do her job!

Show quote history

Maybe you just make people huff and sigh and roll their eyes? 😂

I can't say I've particularly noticed this but I guess it's to be expected in the heat especially.

EmmaStone · 30/07/2026 17:42

I used to work for a huffer and puffer (and tutter, and side eyer). It was quite stressful, and there have been many comments on how much calmer our team is since they left. I don't think they realised they were doing it (or if they did, how it was making others feel).

DH also has a tendancy to do it, and you can see me and the (adult) DC all preparing ourselves for whatever perceived wrongdoing that he's sighing about. He's generally brilliant, and I've pulled him up on this before, but again, I don't think he realises he's doing it, nor the effect on us.

jay55 · 30/07/2026 17:40

Today it’s bloody hot, my back is sore and I’m a bit grumpy

Beachbeach · 30/07/2026 17:39

my Husband does it all the time. It’s because he wants everyone to know how hard his life is and he wants sympathy and attention. Usually he’s looking for something, had a tough day, is stressed, has normal life tasks to do etc

Cantwaitforwinter · 30/07/2026 17:37

Huffer and puffer here!
I’ve been trying to show my annoyance in non violent ways since 2017, it’s the best I can do.

I also tut loudly but I think that’s just because I’m English.

Original poster
TheChewdors · 30/07/2026 17:36

OldrNWisr · 30/07/2026 17:33

Because it’s not up to me to go around policing other people’s behaviour and I would no doubt be berated if I did. It also wouldn’t make a jot of difference. My breathing is my own business.

Show quote history

But you are ‘policing’ them by sighing and making the fact that you think they are beneath you obvious.

OP posts:
Original poster
TheChewdors · 30/07/2026 17:35

FOJN · 30/07/2026 17:31

Sighing is perfectly normal even in healthy people. It can help fully expand the lungs and get rid of excess CO2. Lots of people may take really shallow breaths for a short while and then the body needs to reset so they spontaneously sigh. It's not always about emotion. I think the more pertinent question is why you think a perfectly normal aspect of breathing is intended as an insult to you?

Edited

its not perfectly normal because if it was l, surely everyone would walk round doing it? Rather than just one or two people in a shop.

The woman serving me was also rolling her eyes so I don’t think she was sighing as a perfectly normal part of breathing. She was huffing as she didn’t want to do her job!

OP posts:
OldrNWisr · 30/07/2026 17:33

TheChewdors · 30/07/2026 17:24

Why not speak up then if people annoy you/are in your way rather than passive aggressively sighing?

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Because it’s not up to me to go around policing other people’s behaviour and I would no doubt be berated if I did. It also wouldn’t make a jot of difference. My breathing is my own business.

FOJN · 30/07/2026 17:31

Sighing is perfectly normal even in healthy people. It can help fully expand the lungs and get rid of excess CO2. Lots of people may take really shallow breaths for a short while and then the body needs to reset so they spontaneously sigh. It's not always about emotion. I think the more pertinent question is why you think a perfectly normal aspect of breathing is intended as an insult to you?

MyIcyHeart · 30/07/2026 17:26

For me, it releases tension.
I tend to only do it at home, though.

thistimelastweek · 30/07/2026 17:24

I sigh because, from time to time, I feel the need to take a deep breath and expel it fully.
It's a physical thing and no reflection on my frame of mind.

Original poster
TheChewdors · 30/07/2026 17:24

OldrNWisr · 30/07/2026 17:22

I think I sigh a lot without realising I’m doing it. Mostly because the general public tends to annoy me quite often and I’m at the age where I’m less inclined to filter myself.

Why not speak up then if people annoy you/are in your way rather than passive aggressively sighing?

OP posts:
LiuBei · 30/07/2026 17:24

I think it might be hard to tell whether it is for a medical reason? I have problems breathing through my nose, so I suspect you might think I'm huffing or puffing sometimes. But I think I look broadly healthy (no superstar athlete, but healthy enough), so perhaps people think I am being rude. If it's any help, I feel very self-conscious about it, and would like to stop!

OldrNWisr · 30/07/2026 17:22

I think I sigh a lot without realising I’m doing it. Mostly because the general public tends to annoy me quite often and I’m at the age where I’m less inclined to filter myself.

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