Reading Between the Lines
Body language is a great way to gauge how a person is feeling in any given moment. Their words may confuse you, but it’s hard to control physical reactions. To make understanding people even easier, here are 20 common examples of body language.
1. Shaking the Head
A head shake from side to side is an indicator that the person is disapproving of something, or that they disagree with something that was done or said. It can also be interpreted as disappointment or disbelief. A simple action that sometimes speaks louder than words.
2. Bouncing Leg
Rapidly bouncing the leg usually means the person is either excited, impatient, or nervous. It’s one of those actions that is very easy to turn into a subconscious habit. While it can be a giveaway of nervousness or excitement, some people do bounce their leg when in deep thought.
Apostolos Vamvouras on Unsplash
3. Flared Nostrils
When our nostrils flare, it usually means that we are angry, upset, or frustrated. It can happen right before some sort of altercation or a very strong negative reaction. In most common cases, it is a sign of our body reacting to the anger emotion.
4. Covering the Mouth
Covering the mouth can, most commonly, mean one of two things. Either the person is shocked and surprised, or they are trying to suppress words when being dishonest or lying. Some people have a reaction to cover their mouth when they are about to say a lie or not tell the truth.
5. Shoulder Shrugging
The shrugging of shoulders can mean that the person doesn’t know something or is indifferent to it. It’s also a very universal way of saying that you don't know something. Another thing it can commonly mean is accepting whatever just happened casually.
6. Dragging Feet
A slow walk with dragging feet shows someone is sad or reluctant. While it can be a sign of tiredness, it is more often an indication of lack of motivation or willingness to do anything. It shows a lack of purpose.
7. Tapping Fingers
Tapping the fingers against something usually shows impatience or frustration. Some people tap their fingers as a way to release nervousness. It can also be interpreted as a simple thinking or processing habit.
8. Hands on Hips
Taking this stance shows confidence and readiness. It is a clear indicator that the person is ready for action and that they believe in themself. On the other side, it can also be an indicator that someone is upset or impatient, depending on the context of the situation.
9. Clenching Fist
A clenched fist or the action of clenching it indicates tension and anger. It can be a signal of aggression or attempts at subduing it. People clench their fists as part of our body's reaction to imminent danger or threat.
10. Rolling Eyes
Rolling eyes is universally recognized as a sign of frustration, irritation, or disrespect. It can also be seen as annoyance or disbelief of what was heard. Usually, rolling the eyes is a thing that happens when someone doesn’t want to openly argue, but they still show a physical reaction of being displeased.
11. Raised Eyebrows
When someone raises their eyebrows, it usually suggests they are curious, surprised, shocked, or are in disbelief. Slightly raising them shows the curiosity and surprise part, while highly raised eyebrows signal disbelief or shock. Whether it's the former or the latter, raising both or one eyebrow makes a clear statement according to the situation.
12. Smiling
A smile is the easiest way of showing happiness and friendliness. While a genuine smile is a very easy way to convey or perceive this, a fake smile is different. Lack of eye movement paired with a smile usually shows a fake, disingenuous smile that can be an indicator of discomfort or deception.
13. Frowning
Frowning shows that a person is sad, displeased, or confused. It’s usually the opposite feelings and emotions of a smile that show that the person is experiencing something negative. It could also mean that a person is deep in thought or concentrated.
14. Crossed Legs
When someone crosses their legs while sitting down, it can indicate that they are comfortable. Switching between which leg is crossed shows the attempt of getting more comfortable. In other situations, it can show a sign of tension or a defensive stance, which usually happens as our body's way of self-protection.
15. Crossed Arms
Crossing the arms shows that the person is taking a defensive and protective stance. It can be a sign of someone being closed off or uncomfortable. If the arms are crossed in combination with a more serious face, it could mean that the person is upset and wants to show authority.
16. Steepling Fingers
Holding your fingers together while your palms are apart shows confidence, control, and authority. It gives off a sense of being in control and being well composed. In a more casual setting, it can simply mean that you are in deep thought.
Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
17. Looking Down
Lowering the head and looking down can be a sign of sadness, guilt, or in some cases submission. It gives the appearance of weakness and lack of confidence. Some people lower their head and focus on looking down when they are feeling embarrassed or shy about something.
18. Firm Handshake
A strong and firm handshake shows confidence and high self-esteem. It shows the person is assertive and knows what they want. If the handshake is a bit too firm, it can also be interpreted as a sign of aggression or competitiveness.
Cytonn Photography on Unsplash
19. Rubbing the Neck
When someone is rubbing their neck, it often means they are stressed or uncomfortable with something. In a conversation, this usually means that the person wants to find a way out of it because it’s making them feel unpleasant. It can also be a sign that someone is hiding something.
20. Lip Biting
When someone bites their lip, it often means they are nervous, hesitant, or stressed. Some people do it when they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation. On the other side, it can also be a sign that someone is being flirtatious and alluring.
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