comfort snail

in the same category as "awkward turtle", "TMI turkey", and "shady palm tree". you put your right hand in the position of a thumbs up then come up to the person you want to comfort and have your thumb climb up their arm.

The use of one's thumb to comfort someone when they are upset. The comforter applies their thumb in a comforting circular motion to the comfortee's upper arm, usually whilst saying "comforting snail" to avoid unnecessary confusion. The circular motion is created using the joint of the thumb - not the arm.
The concept is akin to "awkward turtle".

The level of comfort provided by comforting snail is very versatile and can be used in almost any situation. Avoid bereavements.