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by Topher on February 6th, 2005

Topher

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How do you read someone's body language?

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  • by Answers101 on March 15th, 2006

    Answers101

    Books have been written about other's body language. Whether or not there is any real truth to it is arguable.

    For instance, is that friend of yours patting you on the back because she's flirting, or is it simply because she's patting you on the back because she wants others to be comfortable when she's around? If you're a woman, it's merely because she's trying to make you feel comfortable and if you're a guy, then it's most likely the same reason.

    Is he or she licking his or her lips at you because his or her mouth is dry, or is it because they find you physically attractive, or is it because he or she is dreaming of that great chocolate sundae?

    Clearly, while studies have been conducted about this and books written, the best answer is that it's subjective, at best and depends entirely on the person, the situation and what's going on in their heads.

    No one can predict another person's behavior with any 100% certainty and the reasons for why people behave in certain ways; while differently in other situations has infinite answers and no one right answer can really explain non-verbal communication (i.e., people's actions without words)!

    Some examples of common body language styles are as follows:

    If someone is crossing their arms, while they're listening to you, then it's usually because they disagree w/what you're saying, or it's because they're bored and uninterested in what you're saying.

    If someone is patting you on the back, the minute they see you, that's just a friendly, hello, how are you doing? I hope you're doing well.

    If a woman touches you on your arm,or hand, then it's most likely because she's letting you know that she understands what you're saying. It's not necessarily because she's flirting with you. After all, NOT everything is motivated by flirtation, lust, or love.

    If someone smiles at you, then of course, you know it's because they like you and they're saying, "Hi, how are you?" Unless, it's a stranger, then the stranger is most likely smiling because either you're frowning and they're trying to make you feel better, or it's because they're simply saying, "Hi, have a great day!"

    As you can say, the reasons for nonverbal communication are varied and depends entirely on the situation at hand and the person(s) involved.

    I hope this helps to answer your question and remember, sometimes actions speaker louder than words, so if you don't want someone thinking you need an attitude adjustment it's a good idea to smile at most people--just make sure that the person you're smiling at doesn't take it the wrong way and think you're flirting with them.

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