Body language is a language that can be learned, but it takes practice. It’s well worth it, especially when you have a good idea of how your date’s really feeling. Here are a few tips on how to read your date’s body language.
Positive Signs
Here are a few positive things to look out for:
- Eye contact. This is a good thing unless it’s super creepy laser-eyes staring. Your date’s showing their interest in you!
- Smiling. This one may seem obvious, but a tight-lipped grin is not as good a sign as a sincere, open smile.
- Grooming behaviors. If he’s straightening his tie or if she’s touching her hair, this is a very good sign.
- Leaning forward. If your date’s leaning toward you, they’re welcoming you in, in a sense.
- Mirroring behaviors. This is usually subconscious, but if your date shifts in their seat when you do, it could indicate a good rhythm between you.
Body Language Don’ts
Dating can be a stressful experience, so don’t muck things up by letting your date see you do any of the following:
- Nodding too frequently. Nodding is a great way to show your date you’re listening, but don’t overdo it. This could lead your date to think that you’re not paying attention.
- Pointing your feet away from your date. Most of the time this is something subconscious — if you’re interested in something, you’ll automatically gravitate towards it.
- Out of sync conversation. This isn’t so much about what you’re talking about, but your speech pattern. If your date is upbeat and speaking quickly, try to match that so you’re in sync.
- Crossing your arms. Even if it’s comfortable for you, avoid crossing your arms on the date. This is seen as closing yourself off, so keep them uncrossed and you’ll seem much more open and welcoming.
- Fidgeting. If you’re tearing up your napkin or moving around a lot, your date might take this as disinterest, boredom, or perhaps nervousness. Keep your focus on your date!
- Getting too touchy-feely. It’s OK to sometimes brush by your date on the first date, but really take a queue from the other person. You could be coming on too strong if you put your hand on your date’s leg if they haven’t given you an unspoken go-ahead.
[Image via Tumblr.]
