What is Your Body Language Saying?

Body Language is something that is spoken fluently by every person, but rarely understood when communicated.

Whether we know it or not, we communicated information in every movement that we make with our bodies.

To make sure that you understand some of what you might be missing out on, here is a list of some of the most basic movements and what they mean.

How close or far are they from you? This is a more obvious interpretation. If someone cares about you or is interested in learning more about you, they instinctually move closer. On the other hand, if something about you bothers them, they will move farther away.

Where are they looking? Have you ever noticed that if you look someone in the eye for too long, you begin to feel uncomfortable? This is because the eyes reveal a lot about a person, and looking too long becomes an encroachment on someone’s privacy.

If someone looks sideways while talking, it could possibly mean that they are lying or trying to hide something.

Are they copying you? This is also called mirroring. If someone begins to copy the motions that you make with your arms, the position of your legs, or how you are standing, it could mean that they are trying to gain your acceptance and establish a friendship with you.

What is happening with their arms? Generally, folded arms or clenched fists means that they are trying to protect themselves or trying to hold themselves back from saying or doing something. If their arms are open, however, it means that they are comfortable and open to the people they are near.

How do they respond to what you say? If someone nods after you speak, it means that they agree, obviously, but it could also mean that they are trying to gain your approval.

If you pay attention to these signs, it will be much easier to understand the intentions and desires of the people around you.

And watch out, they may be reading your language too, so make sure that you communicating what you mean!