How To Read Body Language

Learning to read body language can be very useful. Imagine if you can get what someone is feeling, or what they are trying to say by just observing the movements in their body. Here are just a few of the body language you can read to know what someone is feeling:

How close are they to you:

  • If someone is physically close to you, it means that they trust you and they think kindly of you.
  • The farther away they are sitting, indicates that they do not feel the situation, or person, important.
  • See how the person acts when you move closer to them. If they move further away from you, it means that they do not want the interaction to become any more personal than it already is. If they do not move further away from you, they are receptive, which means that they are comfortable to be around you.

Head position:

  • When a person's head is tilted greatly, it may potentially be a sign of sympathy.
  • But if the overly tilted head is paired with a smile, it may mean that the person is being playful, or even flirting.
  • Lowered heads indicate that a person is trying to hide something. Take notice when they tilt their head down. It may be because they are shy or ashamed or maybe because they are trying to keep distance from the other person. The person may be feeling disbelief, or maybe reflecting on a past time.
  • Slightly cocked heads indicate that they are confused or even trying to challenge you.

Eyes:

  • If the person is looking to the sides a lot, it is a sign or nervousness, lying, or the person is distracted.
  • Looking down at the floor a lot means that they are shy or timid.
  • Dilated pupils mean that they are interested. (Remember that many drugs and alcohol can cause the pupils to dilate.)
  • If the eyes seem far away, it means that the person is in deep thought or not listening to the conversation.

Mimicking you body language:

  • Mimicking your body language is a sign that they are interested in you and are trying to build a common ground between you and them. Change your body language once in a while to see if they do the same.

Arms:

  • If their arms are crossed, it may mean that they are a little bit reserved, uncomfortable about their appearance, or do not want to be influenced by someone else. Keep in mind that some people cross their arms out of habit.
  • Crossed arms and legs are shoulder-width apart, is a sure-fire sign of toughness or authority.
  • If they rest their arms on their neck, it is a sign that they are laid back and are open to what is being discussed.
  • When their hands are on their hips, the person may be impatient, or just tired.
  • If their hands are closed, or clenched, it may mean that they are agitated, angry, or nervous.

Nervous gestures:

  • Constantly pulling their hair back behind the ears may mean that they are conflicting with what you are saying. This is also a common gesture if the person likes you.
  • Lowered eyebrows and squinted eyes may be a sign that they are trying to understand you better.
  • If the person is staring off into space, it may mean that the person is reflecting on what has happened in the past.

Legs:

  • Fast tapping, or shifting of the weight, will most often mean that the person is impatient, intimidated, excited, or nervous.
  • When the person is sitting and their ankles are crossed, it most likely means that they are laid back or generally relaxed.
  • If they are standing and their feet are close together, it may mean that the person is trying to be 'proper' in some way.
  • If their feet are touching yours, they are probably flirting with you (unless it's accidental).
  • Some people point their feet in the direction that they want to go. So if their feet are pointed towards you, it may be a sign that they are interested in you.

Tips:

  • It is easy to spot a confident person: they make great eye contact and have great posture.
  • If the person is talking at a fast rate, or mumbling, that may be a sign of stalling of time, nervousness, or they are not telling the full truth.
  • When observing others, be subtle about it.
  • Pay attention to the changes in body language.

Remember, it takes time and practice to become an expert in reading body language. Start to become more aware of your friend's body language, and with enough time and practice, it'll become second nature to you.

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