Body Language

Body Language
By Lisa Van De Ven

So you want to know if your best friend’s lying? Or if that cute guy who sits next to you in homeroom has a thing for you and wants to take you to the prom? The key to finding out, according to authors Allan and Barbara Pease, is through body language. In their book, The Definitive Book of Body Language (Bantam Dell), they offer social clues for deciphering the true meaning behind what people say. So read on—and when you see a prospective date across the room at the next big party, you’ll know exactly what to do.

The Hands

Are you ready for the truth? Well, next time you’re talking to someone keep an eye on their hands, and you should at least be able to tell if they’re lying.
According to the Peases, an open palm indicates honesty—so if someone is telling you what they really think, they’ll flash their palms for the world to see. If not, they may hide their hands behind their back or in their pockets or keep them busy while talking.

The Eyes

Want to tell someone across the room to come a little closer? The Peases say 90 per cent of flirtatious encounters are initiated by women—a man might walk over first, but only once he knows she’s interested. How do you do that? Meet his gaze, hold it for a few seconds, then look away and down. Don’t worry if it doesn’t work the first time. Scientific studies (not to mention female intuition) have shown that guys don’t always read that first gaze and may need it repeated a few times before finally getting the message.

Other Ways to Know They're Lying...

It seems lying doesn’t come as easy as some might think. There are several cues that will tell us when someone is being less than honest. Watch for
one of the following:
• She covers her mouth with her hand or puts fingers to her lips
• She touches her nose several times while talking
• He rubs his eye or grabs his ear
• He pulls at his collar or scratches his neck repeatedly.

Try not to jump to conclusions, since allergies may cause some of the same symptoms!

So, Is He Into You Too?

Now that you’ve shown your interest, how does he show his? Preening perhaps; smoothing his collar, fixing his clothes, straightening his jacket. Or he could latch his thumbs into his belt, turn his body towards you, or simply hold your gaze a little longer than usual. The authors suggest keeping an eye out for the signals—men in general are not as good at putting out body cues as women.