Body Language Signs That Have a Hidden Meaning by Sarah Barber

Want to know how to read people like a book? 

Look no further than the world of body language! 

Learning how to read and use body language can be a game-changer in both your personal and professional life. In this article, we’ll give you the inside scoop on some of the best body language hacks to help you connect with others, command respect, and achieve your goals. 

So sit up straight, uncross those arms, and get ready to learn how to speak volumes without ever saying a word!

#1: Rubbing Your Hands

Rubbing your hands together is not just a sign of excitement or anticipation; it’s a signal that you’re ready to get to work. Think of it as a physical manifestation of the proverbial saying “roll up your sleeves.” By rubbing your hands together, you’re preparing your body and mind for action!  Plus, it’s a physical manifestation of the excitement you’re feeling inside. It’s like your body is so amped up that it needs to release that energy somehow, and what better way than through a good ol’ fashioned hand rub? But be careful not to overdo it! Too much hand-rubbing could come across as nervousness or anxiety.

#2: Excessive Blinking

Blink and you might miss it! If you notice someone blinking excessively after they’ve finished telling you something, it could be a sign that they’ve just told a lie. This phenomenon is known as “rebound blinking,” and it’s a common indicator of deception. When we lie, our bodies often react in subtle ways that can give us away. Rebound blinking is one such way. It’s a natural response to the stress and discomfort that comes with telling a lie. Essentially, the liar blinks excessively after they’ve finished speaking as a way of relieving the tension and anxiety they’re feeling.

#3: Uncomfortable Hugs

Ah, the awkward hug. We’ve all been there at some point, right? If you notice someone hugging you while simultaneously patting you on the back, it could be a sign that they’re not entirely comfortable with the embrace. 

According to body language experts, simultaneous hugging and patting can indicate discomfort or anxiety with physical touch. 

It’s a way of creating distance and signalling to the other person that they’re not entirely at ease with the situation. So, the next time you give someone a hug, be mindful of their response and don’t be afraid to ask if they’re comfortable with it. We should all respect each other’s boundaries when it comes physical touch!

#4: Tugging Your Ear

Have you ever caught yourself absentmindedly touching or tugging at your ear during a conversation? Well, it turns out that this simple action could be sending a powerful message about your state of mind. Touching or tugging at your ear can indicate indecisiveness or uncertainty.  It’s a common subconscious gesture that people make when they’re trying to make a decision or evaluate different options. In some cases, ear-touching can also indicate nervousness or anxiety. It’s a way of self-soothing and can help to calm the mind and reduce stress levels.

#5: Fake Smiles

Ah, the power of a smile! It’s often said that a smile can light up a room and make everything better. But did you know that not all smiles are created equal? 

According to body language experts, a genuine smile engages the whole face, including the eyes, while a fake smile only involves the lips. 

This is because a genuine smile is a natural and spontaneous expression of happiness, while a fake smile is a deliberate and conscious effort to appear friendly or approachable.

So how can you tell the difference between a genuine and a fake smile? 

Look at the eyes! A genuine smile will cause the eyes to crinkle at the corners and produce a “sparkle” or twinkle, while a fake smile will leave the eyes looking dull and lifeless.

#6: Boss Hands

Ah, the classic “steeple” gesture. It’s a power move that screams “I am the boss” without having to say a word. 

But be careful, my friend. You don’t want to overdo it and come across as arrogant or condescending. It’s all about finding that delicate balance between confidence and approachability. 

Holding your fingertips together and your palms apart can also signal that you’re analyzing or evaluating something. So, next time you’re in a meeting or negotiating a deal, try out the steeple and see how it affects the dynamics of the conversation. Just don’t forget to smile and make eye contact too, or you might come off as a Bond villain.

#7: Stand By Me

The dynamics of interpersonal communication can vary between individuals, and even our gender plays a role in how we position ourselves during a conversation. Some people argue that men tend to adopt a shoulder-to-shoulder stance, forming an “L” shape, as it feels less confrontational and more comfortable and friendly. On the other hand, women often gravitate towards face-to-face interaction as it fosters emotional connection and direct eye contact, which can be perceived as more honest and intimate. While these generalizations may hold true for some, it’s important to remember that communication styles vary widely among individuals, and there are no one-size-fits-all rules.

#8: Crossed Arms

Ah, crossing arms during a conversation! It’s one of those nonverbal cues that we’ve all heard about, but what does it really mean? According to body language experts, crossing your arms can signify self-protection and a lack of openness. This is because when we cross our arms, we create a physical barrier between ourselves and the person we’re talking to. It’s almost like we’re putting up a wall to protect ourselves from whatever they say or do. So, if you’re looking to make a good impression and connect with someone, try to keep your arms uncrossed and your body language open. By doing so, you’ll come across as more approachable and welcoming!

#9: Breaking Eye Contact

If you ever find yourself in a conversation with someone, and you notice they keep breaking eye contact, you may be guilty of committing an unintentional insult. Or maybe they just find you so boring that they can’t bear to look at you for too long. Either way, it’s never a good feeling to have someone break eye contact with you. In all seriousness, though, breaking eye contact can be a powerful way of communicating disapproval, disinterest, or even anger. It’s a way of saying, “I’m not listening to you anymore, and I don’t want to engage with you.” On the other hand, maintaining eye contact can communicate respect, interest, and even attraction.

#10: Weak Handshake

Ah, the dreaded weak handshake. We’ve all experienced it at some point in our lives, and let’s face it, it’s not a great feeling. But did you know that a weak handshake can actually be a sign of unreliability or disrespect? According to body language experts, the strength of a person’s handshake can say a lot about their character and personality. A strong, firm handshake is typically seen as a sign of confidence, assertiveness, and reliability. On the other hand, a weak or limp handshake can be interpreted as a lack of respect or interest in the other person. It can also suggest a lack of confidence or assertiveness, which may not inspire confidence in others.

#11: Crossing Legs

Cross your heart and hope to…build trust? If you notice someone crossing their leg towards you during a conversation, it could be a sign that they trust and like you. When we cross our legs towards someone, we’re signaling that we feel comfortable and at ease with them.

 It’s a way of showing that we’re open to their ideas and opinions and that we trust them. But, when we cross our legs away from someone, it can indicate that we’re not as comfortable or at ease with them. It’s a way of creating distance and signaling that we’re not entirely on the same page.

 #12: Expressing Emotions

What’s up with people who don’t show any emotion? Are they robots? Aliens? Superheroes? Well, according to body language experts, people who express zero emotion may actually be in complete control of their emotions. So that cold colleague of yours might be an emotional intelligence genius after all! When we express emotions, we’re revealing a part of ourselves to the outside world. We’re showing our vulnerability, our fears, our desires, and our joys. But when we suppress our emotions, we’re hiding a part of ourselves away. It can be a sign of self-control, discipline, or even a lack of trust.

#13: Slouching

Body language experts suggest that slouching or shrinking can be a sign of insecurity or low self-esteem. When we’re feeling anxious or unmotivated, it’s natural to want to curl up or shrink away from the world. This can make us look smaller or less confident, which can further reinforce these negative emotions. If you notice a friend or colleague slouching or shrinking their shoulders, try to offer them some words of encouragement or simply ask if there’s anything you can do to help. Sometimes, a little bit of kindness and understanding can go a long way in lifting someone’s spirits and helping them feel more motivated and confident.

#14: Excessive Nodding

Have you ever found yourself nodding along to someone’s conversation, even though you’ve completely lost interest? It’s a common scenario, and one that can be easily detected through body language. Excessive nodding can be a sign that a person has lost interest in the conversation or topic, but is trying to be polite and avoid appearing rude. So what can you do if you find yourself nodding excessively? One strategy is to actively listen and engage with the conversation. Ask questions, offer your own opinions, and show genuine interest in what the other person is saying. This will not only keep you engaged, but also signal to the other person that you’re truly interested in what they have to say.

#15: Tilted Heads

Tilting one’s head to the side is a common body language gesture that can often be seen as a sign of sympathy or empathy. But why do we tilt our heads when we’re feeling sympathetic? One theory is that it’s an instinctual response that dates back to our early ancestors. When a person tilts their head to the side, it exposes the neck and vulnerable areas of the body, which is a sign of submission and non-aggression. This may have helped to diffuse potentially dangerous situations and build trust between individuals.Interestingly, dogs are also known for tilting their heads in a similar way when they’re trying to understand or empathize with their owners.

#16: Making a Negative Evaluation

Have you ever found yourself closing your eyes or pinching the bridge of your nose when someone asks you a difficult question or presents you with a challenging problem? You’re not alone! This common body language gesture is often used as a way to signal negative evaluation or disapproval. When we close our eyes or pinch our noses, we’re essentially trying to shut out or block the information that’s being presented to us. It’s a natural instinct to avoid things that we find unpleasant or challenging, and this gesture is a way of physically manifesting that instinct.

#17: Showing Defiance

You’ve probably seen it before: someone juts out their chin towards another person as a way of showing defiance or challenging them. This body language gesture is often seen in confrontational situations, and it’s a way of asserting dominance or asserting oneself in the conversation. By sticking out their chin, a person is making themselves appear taller and more imposing, which can be intimidating to the other person. It’s a subtle way of communicating that they’re not backing down, and they’re not going to be pushed around. However, it’s important to note that this body language gesture can also be seen as aggressive or hostile, depending on the context.

#18: Feeling Secure

Ah, the infamous “manspread.” We’ve all seen it before – a person sitting with their legs open and apart, taking up more space than necessary. But why do some people sit like this? One reason is that it can make a person feel more secure in their surroundings. By taking up more space, they’re creating a physical barrier between themselves and the world around them. 

This can be especially true in crowded or uncomfortable environments, where people might feel the need to protect themselves. Additionally, sitting with one’s legs open can be seen as a way of asserting dominance or confidence. It’s a subtle way of saying, “I’m here, and I’m not afraid to take up space.”

#19: Lowering of The Eyes

Have you ever noticed how when you’re in a heated argument, the other person suddenly looks down at their feet? Or maybe you’ve done it yourself? That’s because lowering your gaze is a natural response to feelings of fear, guilt, or submission. It’s a way of avoiding confrontation and indicating that you’re not a threat. Think about it, when you’re scared, what do you do? You avert your eyes and look away. When you’re feeling guilty, you can’t even bring yourself to make eye contact because you know you’re in the wrong. And when you’re feeling submissive, you lower your gaze as a sign of respect and deference to the other person.

#20: Recalling Memories

Our eyes are often described as the windows to our soul, and they can reveal a lot about our inner thoughts and feelings. Research has shown that when we try to remember something visual or spatial, we tend to look up and to the right. But why exactly that is? This is because the left side of the brain, which controls language and logical thinking, is connected to the right side of the body, including the right eye. Therefore, when we try to recall a visual memory, the left side of the brain is more active, causing us to look towards the right.

click to continue / text credit Sarah Barber

Body Language Signs That Have a Hidden Meaning by Sarah Barber

Fair Use Disclaimer:

This article contains material copied and pasted from a third party for educational purposes. The use of this material is in accordance with the principles of fair use as defined in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. This post is not intended to infringe upon the copyrights of the original content creator.

Disclaimer for Educational Use:

This post is created solely for educational purposes and is intended to provide information and resources to the readers. The inclusion of third-party content is done in good faith, and every effort has been made to comply with copyright laws and regulations.

Legal Clause:

The use of copyrighted material in this post is made under Section 107 of the Copyright Act, which allows for the use of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. The reproduction or adaptation of this content is not for commercial purposes and is solely for the advancement of knowledge with gratitude to The Orion Institute of Advanced Studies, under the tutelage and visionary leadership of Professor 4Qua,

( 🎓 #Alumnus University of rice 'n' peace - Augmort )

exemplifies the seamless integration of cosmic exploration and psychological inquiry, contributing to the universal pursuit of knowledge and understanding (over standing ). 

Author's Disclaimer:

The author of this post acknowledges the intellectual property rights of the original content creator and emphasizes that this post is not a substitute for the original work. If you are the copyright owner and believe that the use of your material in this context does not fall under fair use, please contact the author promptly to address any concerns.

IAM Olofin

Spotify
Insta

Official Website
(x) Twitter 
Images credit Olofin