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Reading The Signs: Body Language



By: Jenn Malko

Body LanguageOkay, get comfortable, turn your body and look directly at the computer screen—if only because it shows us you’re interested. Body language is the silent tell that gives you insight into how a date is going without anything else being said. Go to school on the finer points and you can begin to really understand how a date is progressing and maybe even change the outcome.

• Pisa isn’t the only thing leaning these days. If your date looks like they could fall off balance and drop headfirst into their cup of java because they're leaning towards you, it’s a sign that they’re really into you. Just make sure to catch them before they end up in their cup.

• If they’re straight, you’ll know it! If your dates face and body are pointed at you, they’re interested in what you have to say. If they’re slightly askew, perhaps pointed at one of the hot wait staff behind the counter, you might want to consider calling for the bill.

• Staring into the depths of your soul is sweet. If they can’t stop looking at you, you have them where you want them. If they’re looking at the wall or at the floor, they could just be nervous, but more than likely they’re scoping for someone more their type.

• Loose lips signal love. Okay, maybe not love, but if your date’s mouth is slightly open when you first meet, it could be that they just stopped it from dropping to the floor or that they’re excited and need the extra air. This is subtle, people, so watch close!

• Does he like me or is he just really happy? If your date is smiling, it doesn’t take an expert to figure it out. It’s a good sign! If he’s still smiling when nothing is being said, you know you’re in the clear. Just make sure it’s a genuine smile and not one of awkward discomfort.

• That girl’s so stiff it looks like rigamortis has set in! Relax. That’s because she’s not very comfortable. With any luck, she should be nice and calm by the end of the date. If not, make sure you check the pulse because it’s also possible you’ve bored her to death.

• Jittery, aren’t they? If your date can’t sit still, it could just be a case of ADHD, but it could also be a signal that they’ve lost interest. Play this one by ear but always carry a few tabs of Riddlin on hand, just in case.

• Tossing or primping the hair. This is a classic tell, especially for women. It shows that they’re concerned about their appearance and want you to notice them. Go ahead – notice!

• He’s . . . fondling himself! No, he’s not! Well, not if you mean he’s touching his chest or his neck or his lips or his face. That kind of touching can signify that your date is grooving in your general direction. If he’s doing them all, order him a cold pitcher of water before he overheats.

• Lick my lips! I mean “read” my lips! If your date can’t keep her tongue off them, it’s a great sign. Mind you, it could just be that she’s dehydrated. Offer her some of the water she just ordered for you and see if it helps.

• I’m so into you that I’m going to chuckle at everything you say! This is a great sign if you’re a comedian. For the rest of us, laughing profusely says they’re already thinking of date two.

• Crossed arms mean call the cab. It’s a sign of discomfort and you’re going to have to find a way to sooth them if you don’t want to be taking a taxi home sooner than you’d like.

• Tightly crossed legs mean she’s got to pee, right? Nope, it means she doesn’t want you anywhere near her. If her legs are apart, by no means is that an invitation – but it could be a sign that you might be lucky enough to go out again.

• We’ve got contact! Physical contact such as touching your hand, your arm, shoulder, hair is a sign that they’re comfortable with you and perhaps want to get a little more acquainted. I highly recommend that you don’t try and touch them, though. There are other ways to signal your interest, but do what you want – it’s your funeral, lawsuit, black eye, face full of mace, etc, etc..

That should get you pointed in the right direction when it comes to reading body language and, as we’ve learned, that direction should be straight on if you expect to seem interested. Signs like these are all subtle, but when you begin to see a few of them in succession, you’ll be able to tell which way your luck is rolling. Hopefully its rolling in the right direction so keep us posted if it is!


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