What does your body language say about you?
You’ve likely heard that body language accounts for up to 55 per cent of how we communicate, but reading non-verbal clues isn’t always black and white. Reading someone’s body language can actually be a bit of an art given the same gesture can mean varying things depending on the context.
When meeting new people and going on dates, non-verbal language can be an incredibly helpful tool. If you’re not paying attention to your date’s body language, you might accidently go on talking about something that makes them uncomfortable. So while you want to make sure you are being yourself, you also want to put your best foot forward and make sure your first dates are all about the both of you having fun and feeling comfortable. This is what you need to consider. Initially on a date most people will be a little guarded so don’t worry too much. Expect a bit of crossing of the arms, a reasonable distance between you and palms kept facing oneself. This is ok and fairly common. Your goal should be to change this awkward/uncomfortable state. And it’s actually quite simple. We tend to mimic the beahviour of others to some extent, so if you’re feeling warm and comfortable and showing it, it will help the other person to relax too. To encourage open body language, keeping your arms uncrossed and open, offer a genuine smile when you can and avoid too much distance and even showing your palms.
While words can be deceptive, the human body is a terrible liar. So reading body language can be extremely useful when communicating with others. Here are the basics.
Positive body language:
- Moving or leaning in closer to you
- Relaxed, uncrossed limbs
- Long periods of eye contact
- Looking down and away from shyness
Negative body language:
- Moving or leaning away from you
- Crossed arms legs
- Looking away to the side
- Feet pointed away from you, or towards an exit
- Rubbing or scratching their nose, eyes or the back of their neck