Author: Chris

Appease, Automatic gesture

Body Language of Polite Smile (the)

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Polite Smile (the)

Cue: Polite Smile (the).

Synonym(s): Tight Lipped Smile With Low Intensity.

Description: This smile happens as the lips are stretched across the face using the risorius muscle. Flexing these muscles causes the lips to move toward the ears or curled up modestly. No teeth are showing because the risorius muscles are unable to raise the corner of the lips. The tight-lipped smile can vary with intensity and it is directly related to the amount the lips that are raised in the corners of the mouth.

In One Sentence: The polite smile signals the desire to appease without being overly friendly.

How To Use it: The polite smile is used to acknowledge others without showing a high degree of warmth. When you want to say hello, but don’t want to build a relationship, perhaps due to differences of opinion, then offer the polite smile. Thus, it is useful to maintain peace, while clearly demonstrating a lack of interest in going any more intimate with the relationship. Use this smile with acquaintances, strangers, and people you are forced by their proximity and presence to placate.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: “I acknowledge you, but don’t know you well enough to give you a full honest smile so I’m just going to stretch my lips toward my ears and offer no upward lip curl.”

Variant: See Smiling, Fear Smile, Friendly Smile, Frown (the) or Downturned Smile, Honest Smile or Duchenne Smile, Jaw Drop Smile, Nervous Smile, Polite Smile (the), Uneven Smile Or Lopsided Smile, Upper Lip Smile, Artificial Smile or Fake Smile, Nervous Smile, Honest Smile or Duchenne Smile, Contempt Facial Expression.

Cue In Action: A man might say about his boss “He’s a great boss, I’d switch companies and follow him anywhere if he left.” and this might be followed by a tight lipped smile serving to negate the comment.

Meaning and/or Motivation: The polite smile indicates a hidden attitude or thought, uncertainty, hesitation or lack of confidence. This smile is used to placate others and frequently shows itself while posing for photographs.

Strangers passing on the street might also use this shallow smile as a form of greeting or acknowledgement. The smile is a feigned or dishonest smile that we employ when we don’t want others to know we aren’t particularly excited to see them. The tight lipped smile is the most commonly used smile when meeting new people. It might also appear out of nervousness or stress.

When the tight lipped smile with low intensity happens in conversation in can serve to negate the previous statement. Small babies have been shown to use this smile for all others except their mothers, whom they reserve the use of the true, honest smile.

Cue Cluster: Expect to see neutral body language that is neither opened nor closed, dominant nor submissive.

Body Language Category: Appease, Automatic gesture.

Resources:

Abel, Ernest L. and Michael L. Kruger. Smile Intensity in Photographs Predicts Longevity. Psychological Science. 2010. 21(4): 542-544.
Seder, J. Patrick and Shigehiro Oishi. Intensity of Smiling in Facebook Photos Predicts Future Life Satisfaction. Social Psychological and Personality Science. 2012. 3(4): 407-413.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/facebook-smile-predicts-life-satisfaction/

Colonnesi, Cristina; Susan M. Bogels; Wieke de Vente and Mirjana Majdandzic. What Coy Smiles Say About Positive Shyness in Early Infancy. Infancy. 2013. 18(2): 202–220. ISSN: 1525-0008 print / 1532-7078 online
DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-7078.2012.00117.x
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/nonverbal-meaning-coy-smiles-infants/

Fairbairn, Catharine E.; Michael A. Sayette; Odd O. Aalen and Arnoldo Frigessi. Alcohol and Emotional Contagion: An Examination of the Spreading of Smiles in Male and Female Drinking Groups. Clinical Psychological Science. 2014. DOI: 2167702614548892
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/alcohol-social-lubricant-male-smiles/

Gueguen, Nicolas. Weather and Smiling Contagion: A Quasi Experiment With the Smiling Sunshine. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. 2013. 37:51–55. DOI 10.1007/s10919-012-0140-y
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/weather-smile-not-contagion-smile-linked-weather-conditions/

Guéguen, N. The Effect Of A Woman’s Smile On Men’s Courtship Behavior. Social Behavior and Personality. 2008. 36(9): 1233-1236.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/how-women-can-use-a-simple-smile-to-attract-men/

Guéguen, N., & Fischer-Lokou, J. (2004). Hitchhiker’s Smiles And Receipt Of Help. Psychological Reports. 94: 756-760.

Gosselin, Pierre; Reem Maassarani; Alastair Younger and Mélanie Perron. Children’s Deliberate Control of Facial Action Units Involved in Sad and Happy Expressions. Journal of Nonverbal Behaviour. 2011. 35:225–242. DOI 10.1007/s10919-011-0110-9.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/childrens-control-facial-actions-improve-age-create-accurate-emotional-expressions/

Golle, Jessika; Fred W.; Mast and Janek S. Lobmaier. Something to Smile About: The Interrelationship Between Attractiveness and Emotional Expression. Cognition and Emotion, 2014. 28:2: 298-310. DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2013.817383.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/smiles-arent-just-cameras/

Gunnery, Sarah D.; Judith A. Hall and Mollie A. Ruben. The Deliberate Duchenne Smile: Individual Differences in Expressive Control. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. 2013. 37:29–41. DOI 10.1007/s10919-012-0139-4
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/can-probably-fake-honest-smile-deliberate-duchenne-smile/

Hertenstein, Matthew J.; Carrie A. Hansel; Alissa M. Butts and Sarah N. Hile. Smile Intensity In Photographs Predicts Divorce Later In Life. Motiv Emot. 2009; 33:99-105
DOI 10.1007/s11031-009-9124-6
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/small-smiles-predicts-divorce/

Harker, L., & Keltner, D. (2001). Expressions Of Positive Emotion In Women’s College Yearbook Pictures And Their Relationship To Personality And Life Outcomes Across Adulthood. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80(1), 112–124. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.80.1.112.

Krumhuber, E., Manstead, A., & Kappas, A. Temporal Aspects of Facial Displays in Person and Expression Perception: The Effects of Smile Dynamics, Head-tilt, and Gender. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. 2007. 31(1), 39-56.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/slow-onset-smile-best/

Krumhuber, Eva; Antony S. R.; Manstead; and Arvid Kappas. Temporal Aspects of Facial Displays in Person and Expression Perception: The Effects of Smile Dynamics, Head-tilt, and Gender. Journal Nonverbal Behavior. 2007; 31: 39-56.
DOI 10.1007/s10919-006-0019-x
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/head-tilt-and-slow-onset-smile-nonverbals-trust-attraction-dominance-and-flirting-a-brief-report/

Krause, Michael W. and Teh-Way David Chen. A Winning Smile? Smile Intensity, Physical Dominance, and Fighter Performance. Emotion. 2013. 13 (2): 270–279. DOI: 10.1037/a0030745
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/smile-lose-smile-intensity-predicts-fighting-ability

Krumhuber, Eva G.; Manstead and Antony S. R. Can Duchenne smiles be feigned? New evidence on felt and false smiles. Emotion. 2009. 9 (6): 807-820.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/can-fake-real-smile-practice/

Labroo, Aparna A.; Anirban Mukhopadhyay; Ping Dong. Not Always the Best Medicine: Why Frequent Smiling Can Reduce Wellbeing. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. 2014. 53:156-162.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/why-too-much-smiling-can-be-bad-for-you/

Lockard, J. S., McVittie, R. I., & Isaac, L. M. (1977). Functional Significance Of The Affiliative Smile. Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society, 9, 367-370.

Okubo, Matia; Akihiro, Kobayashi and Kenta Ishikawa. A Fake Smile Thwarts Cheater Detection. Journal of Nonverbal Behaviour. 2012. 36:217–225. DOI 10.1007/s10919-012-0134-9
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Pease, Barbara and Allan Pease. 2006. The Definitive Book of Body Language Hardcover. Bantam.

Reed, Lawrence Ian; Katharine N. Zeglen and Karen L. Schmidt. Facial Expressions as Honest Signals of Cooperative Intent in a One-Shot Anonymous Prisoner’s Dilemma Game. Evolution and Human Behavior. 2012. 33: 200-209.
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Reissland, Nadja; Brian Francis, James Mason, Karen Lincoln. Do Facial Expressions Develop before Birth? August 2011. 6(8): e24081. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0024081.g001
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Samuele Centorrino, Elodie Djemai, Astrid Hopfensitz, Manfred Milinski, Paul Seabright. Honest Signaling in Trust Interactions: Smiles Rated as Genuine Induce Trust and Signal Higher Earning Opportunities. Evolution and Human Behavior DOI:
dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2014.08.001.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/smile-great-gain-smiling-key-negotiation/

Tidd, K., & Lockard, J. (1978). Monetary Significance Of The Affiliative Smile: A Case For Reciprocal Altruism. Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society, 11, 344-346.

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Walsh, D. G., & Hewitt, J. (1985). Giving Men The Come-On: Effect Of Eye Contact And Smiling In A Bar Environment. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 61, 873-874.

Comfort body language

Body Language of Pointing Knee

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Pointing Knee

Cue: Pointing Knee.

Synonym(s): Sitting On The Leg, Foot Tucked Under the Leg, Tucking One Foot Under The Leg.

Description: A sitting posture whereby the leg is tucked under and sat on.

In One Sentence: The pointing knee is a sitting posture demonstrating high comfort and a desire to stay for a long while.

How To Use it: Tell others that you are not in a rush to leave by taking the pointing knee sitting position. You can also signal your high degree of comfort. This is useful when at a friend’s house. Likewise, the signal is useful to women whom wish to show men that they are at ease in their presence.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: “I’m comfortable enough to sit on my means of locomotion – my feet, which tells you that I’m not expecting to have to leave in a hurry. Thus, I’m demonstrating my high comfort and relaxed attitude.”

Variant: Both legs may be drawn up and sad on during a high comfort arrangement. This would usually occur in one’s own house, or that of a trusted friend. See Leg Spreading, Figure Four Leg Clamp or Figure Four Leg Lock, Leg Crossing and Leg Crossing Direction.

Cue In Action: Mark invited Julie over for a movie and popcorn. He knew she was at ease because she found a corner seat on the sofa and plopped herself down on top of her foot with her knee pointing forward.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Tucking one foot under the body is a sure sign of high comfort and an informal context because it makes it difficult to get up and vacate should something necessitate it. The bearer of the body language assumes that requiring a quick escape is highly unlikely.

While we live in a relatively safe environment, our subconscious mind still abides by primitive wiring which is the root of all body language. Sitting like this is common in our own house while watching television on the sofa, but is rarely see in an office environment.

Cue Cluster: Expect to see other relaxed body language such as loose, full lips, a face that lacks tension, body slouching, relaxed attire, leaning back rather than forward, slow movements, arms uncrossed, and so forth.

Body Language Category: Comfort body language.

Resources:

Broth, Mathias and Lorenza Mondada. Walking Away: The Embodied Achievement of Activity Closings in Mobile Interaction. Journal of Pragmatics. 2013. 47: 41-58.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/nonverbally-negotiate-conversation-walking-away/

Brault, Sébastien ; Bideau, Benoit ; Kulpa, Richard ; Craig, Cathy M ; Gribble, Paul L. Detecting Deception in Movement: The Case of the Side-Step in Rugby. PLoS ONE. 2012. 7(6).

Tessari, Alessia ; Ottoboni, Giovanni ; Mazzatenta, Andrea ; Merla, Arcangelo ; Nicoletti, Roberto Alain, Claude (Editor). Please Don’t! The Automatic Extrapolation of Dangerous Intentions (Automatic Extrapolation of Dangerous Intentions). 2012. 7(11): p.e49011.

Pitterman, Hallee ; Nowicki Jr, Stephen. A Test of the Ability to Identify Emotion in Human Standing and Sitting Postures: The Diagnostic Analysis of Nonverbal Accuracy-2 Posture Test (DANVA2-POS). Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs. 2004. 130(2): 146-162.

Schwartz, Barry ; Tesser, Abraham ; Powell, Evan. Dominance Cues in Nonverbal Behavior. Social Psychology Quarterly. 1982. 45(2): 114-120.

Sartori, Luisa ; Becchio, Cristina ; Castiello, Umberto. Cues to Intention: The Role of Movement Information. Cognition. 2011. 119(2): 242-252.

Mehrabian, A. (1968) Inference of attitudes from the posture, orientation, and distance of a communicator. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 32, 296–308.

Mehrabian, A. (1969). Significance of posture and position in the communication of attitude and status relationship. Psychological Bulletin, 71, 359–372.

Boredom body language, Displacement behaviour, Pacifying body language, Security blankets, Stressful body language

Body Language of Playing With Objects

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Playing With Objects

Cue: Playing With Objects

Synonym(s): Giggling Change, Opening And Closing Glasses, Running Fingers Over Zippers, Running The Hands Over Stubble, Playing With Keys, Rolling A Ring Around The Finger, Object Play.

Description: Playing with objects such as a set of keys, ring, change, zippers, or any other artifact that is easy and conveniently located.

In One Sentence: Playing with objects is a way to pacify.

How To Use it: Playing with objects can give others a negative impression of you, however, it does serve a useful purpose. It provides busy hands with an outlet to release emotional tension or placate boredom. A set of keys in a pocket can be manipulated to give the hands something to do while releasing stress relieving hormones through tactile stimulation.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: “I’m uneasy, insecure, bored, and need to pacify myself by keeping my hands busy.”

Variant: See Masked Arm Cross, Fondling A Cylindrical Object, Covering The Neck Dimple or Hand to Lower Neck.

Cue In Action: a) The widower played with his wristwatch. It provided him a sense of comfort during stressful events. b) While waiting for the bus, he rolled his ring around his finger due to sheer boredom. c) When she couldn’t think of the answer on the test she twisted the eraser back and forth trying to squeeze the answer out of her mind. d) She always felt awkward on the subway and made a habit of placing her handbag on her lap. When someone she didn’t approve of sat near her, she opened her purse and sorted through her belongings to displace her negative feelings.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Playing with objects is a sign that the body needs to be pacified and is suffering from inner turmoil and discomfort or outright boredom. Most are rooted in infantile actions such as playing with a favourite toy, hugging a blanket, sucking a soother and being comforted by mom or dad. The object keeps the hands busy and helps pacify by burning up some of the excess negative energy. Playing with objects creates a soothing touch over the fingers or palms helping to release positive hormones further reinforcing the behaviour.

If the object belongs to another person, it might signal the desire to be with them and in effort to reestablish closeness. If a loved one has passed away, they may stroke a necklace given to them by this person. This too is a signal that insecurity is taking place and they are seeking their affiliation to the person for support.

Many different forms of object play exist. A person might jiggle change in their pocket, play with a pen or jewelry, open and close the arms of glasses, adjust clothing, shaking a shoe, smoking, or running fingers through the hair.

Cue Cluster: The context, more so than other cues will decide the true meaning of playing with objects.

Body Language Category: Boredom body language, Displacement behaviour, Pacifying body language, Security blankets, Stressful body language.

Resources:

Argo, J. J., Dahl, D. W., & Morales, A. C. (2006). Consumer contamination: How consumers react to products touched by others. Journal of Marketing, 70(April), 81–94.

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http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/get-children-tell-truth-using-body-language/

Argo, J. J., Dahl, D. W., & Morales, A. C. (2006). Consumer contamination: How consumers react to products touched by others. Journal of Marketing, 70(April), 81–94.
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Winnicott, D.W. (1953). Transitional objects and transitional phenomena. International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 34, 89–97.

Doubt or disbelief body language, Evaluative body language, Frustration or frustrated body language, Pensive displays, Stressful body language

Body Language of Pinching The Bridge Of The Nose

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Pinching The Bridge Of The Nose

Cue: Pinching The Bridge Of The Nose.

Synonym(s): Nose Pinching.

Description: The index and thumb pinch the upper part of the nose.

In One Sentence: Pinching the bridge of the nose indicates emotional discomfort.

How To Use it: Pinch the bridge of the nose when you want to show others that you are struggling with a decision. Pinching the nose is also a tactile release which can help release negative stress energy. It works because blood flows to the nose during arousal – while pinching it reduces the flow thereby making us feel better.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: “I’m pinching the bridge of my nose because I’m experiencing discomfort over having to make an important decision.”

Variant: The hand may come up to the side of the face rather than pinch the nose. The corner of the eye next to the nose is also an important target point for scratching during high stress or anxiety. See Hand To Nose, Chin Stroking.

Cue In Action: It was a long day but nearing an end. Suddenly, the boss came over and asked if he could put in another couple of hours to restack the shelves. He pinched nose, hung his head, sighed and after much internal debate, reluctantly agreed.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Pinching the nose is an evaluative gesture. It indicates deep thought or a negative emotion.

The nose has many blood vessels which when stressed fill and engorge with blood. Pinching the nose is a way to cut off or reduce the swelling of the nose which is why it feels natural to pinch it.

Interestingly, some women and men sneeze before or just after sexual stimulation. This is because the nose engorges during any form of arousal, not just arousal due to stress. As the nose receives extra stimulation from blood flow, it triggers a sneeze response. Thus, it may also signal sexual arousal!

Cue Cluster: Watch for other evaluative gestures such as chin stroking, flared nostrils, rubbing the back of the neck, looking upwards and looking around the room.

Body Language Category: Doubt or disbelief body language, Evaluative, Frustration or frustrated body language, Pensive displays, Stressful body language.

Resources: NONE

Amplifier, Appease, Body size reduction, Indicator Of Sexual Interest (IOsI), Pseudo-infantile gestures, Readiness to submit postures, Submissive body language

Body Language of Pigeon Toes or Tibial Torsion

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Pigeon Toes or Tibial Torsion

Cue: Pigeon Toes.

Synonym(s): Tibial Torsion, Toes Pointed Inward.

Description: While standing, the toes are pointed inwards toward each other.

In One Sentence: Pigeon toes indicate submission.

How To Use it: The pigeon toes posture is most effective when used by children and women as it is submissive in nature. Men can also use the posture, however, their challenge is finding a sympathetic partner who will read the cue and react in ways that benefit them. That being said, when children and women wish to show submission and lessen punishment or gain special treatment or favours, pointing the toes inward and taking on a smaller profile, is the answer. Pigeon toes can work to women’s advantage in dating as it shows their willingness to submit.

Context: a) General b) Dating.

Verbal Translation: “When I point my toes inward, I’m shrinking my body profile so as to appear more submissive and docile.”

Variant: See Splayed Feet or Feet Pointed Outward.

Cue In Action: a) The kid was upset and scared of the teacher, he turned his feet inward, lowered his head and began to sob. b) She stood near the bar, turned her feet inward and batted her eyes at the cute boy – she felt smitten, girly, attractive.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Having the toes pointed inwards, often called pigeon toes or anatomically “tibial torsion” is a submissive body posture.

Children, and women who are smitten, will point their toes inwards to show their meekness signaling their willingness to be lead by more dominant individuals. Pigeon toes makes the body appear smaller forcing it into a less threatening profile.

In a sexual situation, aiming the toes inward indicates submission and is usually performed by the woman in this context. This claim assumes that most women wish for and choose more dominant men than themselves, which of course isn’t always the case. However, when the cue persists, it can be assumed that she’d rather follow than lead.

Body Language Category: Amplifier, Appease, Body size reduction, Indicators of sexual interest (IOsI), Pseudo-infantile gestures, Readiness to submit postures, Submissive body language.

*No Photo, Aggressive body language, Amplifier, Anger body language, Authoritative body language, Closed body language, Dislike (nonverbal), Dominant body language, Evaluative body language, Eye Language, Hostile body language

Body Language of Peering Over Glasses or Looking Over Glasses

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Peering Over Glasses or Looking Over Glasses

Cue: Peering Over Glasses.

Synonym(s): Looking Over Glasses.

Description: Happens by looking down and overtop of the glasses at another person. Sometimes the head is lowered and the eyes peer over top of the glasses, other times the glasses are pulled down onto the bridge of the nose coupled with a glare.

In One Sentence: Looking over the glasses signals distain, contempt, haughtiness, aggressiveness, and critical judgment.

How To Use it: Peer over the glasses to show others that you disagree with them or their ideas. The cue is reminiscent of the authoritative library trying to scold misbehaving students. Simply tilting the head without glasses can have the same effect. Research has shown that tilting the head down is a way to make the head appear wider and thus more dominant.

Mothers disapproving of children or wives disapproving of husbands can use the cue to show that actions or ideas are not being well received. Thus the cue signals the desire to keep a person ‘in their place’ and that one is morally superior. Therefore, use the cue when most appropriate.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: “I’m peering over the top of my eye glasses and tilting my head forward because I’m scrutinizing you.”

Variant: The head might be tiled backwards with relatively the same effect. This is “looking down the nose” at someone. It is particularly powerful. See Head Tilted Back.

Cue In Action: The librarian wasn’t keen on the new group of rowdy students. After verbally berating them and warning of more severe punishment should they get disruptive, she’d occasionally peer over at them with lowered glasses to reinforce her commitment.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Disdain, contempt, haughtiness, aggressiveness, critical, condescending, and judgmental attitudes are all associated with this posture. The bearers of the posture assumes that they have the moral right to be looking down on other people from an elevated position.

Cue Cluster: Peering over the glasses is accompanied by a stern, closed facial expression, hard staring eyes, pursed lips, head forward and challenging, palms down and chin forward.

Body Language Category: Amplifier, Aggressive body language, Anger body language, Authoritative body language, Closed body language, Dislike (nonverbal), Dominant body language, Eye Language, Hostile body language, Evaluative body language.

Resources:

Beall, Alec and Jessica L. Tracy. The Puzzling Attractiveness of Male Shame. Manuscript submitted to Evolutionary Psychology. www.epjournal.net – 2014. 12(x): 1-39. http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/male-nonverbal-shame-attractive/

Briñol, Pablo; Richard E. Petty and Benjamin Wagner. Body Posture Effects on Self-Evaluation: A Self-Validation Approach. European Journal of Social Psychology. 2009. 39(6): 1099-0992. DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.607. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.607
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/fix-posture-fix-confidence/

Costa, M., Menzani, M., and Ricci Bitti, P. E. Head canting in paintings: An historical study. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. 2001. 25: 63–73.

Costa, M., and Ricci Bitti, P. E. Face-ism effect and head canting in one’s own and others’ photographs. European Psychologist. 2000. 5: 293–301.

Furley, Philip and Geoffrey Schweizer. “I’m Pretty Sure That We Will Win!”: The Influence of Score-Related Nonverbal Behavioral Changes on the Confidence in Winning a Basketball Game Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology. 2013. 35:316-320. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2013-0199
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/losers-nonverbal-behavior-boosts-confidence-winners-study/

Hehman, Eric; Jordan B. Leitner and Samuel L. Gaertner. Enhancing Static Facial Features Increases Intimidation. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. 2013; 49: 747-754.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/tilting-the-head-is-display-of-intimidation-study/

Hwang, Hyisung C. and David Matsumoto. Cultural Differences in Victory Signals of
Triumph Cross-Cultural Research. SAGE Publications 2014. 48(2):177– 191.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/culture-nonverbal-triumph/

Keltner, D. The signs of appeasement: Evidence for the distinct displays of embarrassment, amusement, and shame. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 1995. 68: 441–454.

Johnson, Richard R. and Jasmine L. Aaron. Adults’ Beliefs Regarding Nonverbal Cues Predictive of Violence. Criminal Justice and Behavior. 2013. 40 (8): 881-894. DOI: 10.1177/0093854813475347.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/wanna-fight-nonverbal-cues-believed-indicate-violence

Liu, C., Ishi, C. T., Ishiguro, H., & Hagita, N. (2012). Generation of nodding, head
tilting and eye gazing for human–robot dialogue interaction. In Human–Robot
interaction (HRI), 2012 7th ACM/IEEE international conference on (pp. 285–292).
IEEE Press.

Martens, Jason P.; Jessica L. Tracy and Azim F. Shariff. Status signals: Adaptive
benefits of displaying and observing the nonverbal expressions of pride and shame, Cognition & Emotion. 2012. 26(3): 390-406. DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2011.645281
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/significant-nonverbal-expression-pride-shame-body-language-detailed-examination-origin-function/

Martina Mara and Markus Appel. Effects of Lateral Head Tilt on User Perceptions of Humanoid and Android Robots. Computers in Human Behavior. 2015. 44: 326-334. http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/nonverbal-head-tilt-says-robot/

Mignault, Alain and Chaudhuri, Avi. The Many Faces of a Neutral Face: Head Tilt and Perception of Dominance and Emotion. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. 2003 27(2): 111-132.

Marshall, Steven D. ; Low, Laura E. ; Holton, Nathan E. ; Franciscus, Robert G. ; Frazier, Mike ; Qian, Fang ; Mann, Kyle ; Schneider, Galen ; Scott, Jill E. ; Southard, Thomas E. Chin development as a result of differential jaw growth American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics. 2011 139(4): 456-464.

Nelson, Nicole L and James A. Russell. Children’s Understanding Of Nonverbal Expressions Of Pride. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology. 2012; 111: 379-385.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/can-children-read-pride-body-language/

Rule, Nicholas, O.; Reginald B. Adams Jr.; Nalini Ambady and Jonathan B. Freeman. Perceptions Of Dominance Following Glimpses Of Faces And Bodies. Perception. 2012; 41: 687-706 doi:10.1068/p7023
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/people-can-read-dominance-split-second

Schubert, T. W. (2005). Your highness: Vertical positions as perceptual symbols of power. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 89, 1–21.

Shariff, Azim F. and Jessica L. Tracy. Knowing Who’s Boss: Implicit Perceptions of Status From the Nonverbal Expression of Pride. Emotion. 2009.9(5): 631-639.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/can-you-tell-whos-boss-by-the-nonverbal-expression-of-pride/

Tracy, Jessica L. and Alec T. Beall. Happy Guys Finish Last: The Impact of Emotion Expressions on Sexual Attraction Emotion. American Psychological Association. 2011; 11(6): 1379–1387
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/happy-guys-finish-last-happy-women-finish-first-says-new-study-on-sexual-attractiveness/

Tracy, Jessica L. and David Matsumoto. The Spontaneous Expression Of Pride And Shame: Evidence For Biologically Innate Nonverbal Displays. 2008; 105 (33) 11655-11660.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/universal-expressions-of-pride-and-shame/

Tracy, Jessica L. and Richard W. Robins. The Nonverbal Expression of Pride: Evidence for Cross-Cultural Recognition. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 2008. 94(3): 516–530. DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.94.3.516

http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/nonverbal-expression-pride-recognized-cross-culturally/

Teixeira Fiquer, Juliana; Paulo Sérgio Boggio and Clarice Gorenstein. Talking Bodies: Nonverbal Behavior in the Assessment of Depression Severity. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2013. 150: 1114-1119.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/using-nonverbal-behaviour-to-assess-depression-severity/

Welker, Keith M.; Stefan M.M.; Goetz, Shyneth Galicia; Jordan Liphardt and Justin M. Carré. An Examination of the Associations Between Facial Structure, Aggressive Behavior, and Performance in the 2010 World Cup Association Football Players. Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology (forthcoming in print, online July).
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/facial-width-predicts-strength-soccer-field

Wells, G. L., & Petty, R. E. (1980). The effects of head movement on persuasion: Compatibility and incompatibility of responses. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 1, 219–230.

Weisbuch, Max ; Slepian, Michael L ; Eccleston, Collette P ; Ambady, Nalini. Nonverbal Expressions of Status and System Legitimacy. Psychological Science. 2013. 24(11): 2315-2321.

Childlike playfulness, Courtship display, Eye Language, Indicator Of Sexual Interest (IOsI)

Body Language of the Peek-A-Boo Game

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of the Peek-A-Boo Game

Cue: Peek-A-Boo Game (the)

Synonym(s): Hide and Seek, Eye Hiding.

Description: a) An adult game found in dating and romance where eyes are hidden from view with objects such as menus, drinking glasses, and even other people only to amuse and delight with their reappearance. b) A game played between baby and parents or amongst kids.

In One Sentence: Peek-a-boo is fun game that helps bond people together.

How To Use it: Parents and children play the peek-a-boo game most readily by hiding from sight only to suddenly reappear. The temporary absence creates sadness, and upon reappearance, that turns to excitement, surprise, and therefore relief.

Adult lovers can also play this game to good effect. However, this is best done with the help of props such as menus, the hands, moving around pillars or around the corner (in a bar or restaurant). When done correctly, the game appears childlike, but can create real romance and attraction.

Context: a) Dating b) General.

Verbal Translation: “I’m playing coy with you by hiding my eyes from view and teasing you with their resurgence.”

Variant: See the myriad of language possible with the eyes under Eye Language (Category).

Cue In Action: a) The girl played coy with the boys. Often dropping out of sight only to return to view, smile meekly, and giggle. b) Mom and Dad took turns playing peek-a-boo with their 10 month old. He seemed thrilled when Mom peeked over the cloth. Baby would giggle hysterically.

Meaning and/or Motivation: In adults it is often sexual in nature primarily due to it’s throwback to childlike playfulness which is common in courtship. It is the absence of the eyes is made better with their resurgence.

a) Using barriers for negative reasons, such as to hide, are most common in nonverbal communication, but in the peek-a-boo game played by men and women, objects can be used to tease and arouse during courtship.

This is the case with “eye hiding”, which happens when a drinking glass, menu, or even people moving about a room temporarily put out of vision our object of affection. It can also happen by slightly turning away, or lowering the eyes coyly. Dropping the eyes out of sight or looking over the shoulder when done by women is particularly seductive. The loss of sight sends us into spells of worry, but when they suddenly reappear it sends our hearts racing with relief.

b) Small babies especially enjoy this game, sending them into giggle fits, and adults play along happily. When adults play the game with each other, it is only slightly more sophisticated.

Cue Cluster: a) Watch for other nonverbal cues such as smiling, laughing, touching, moving in closer, chasing, teasing, flirty eye contact, doe eyes, intimate gazing and so forth. b) You will see giggling and laughing, excitement and blushing.

Body Language Category: Courtship display, Childlike playfulness, Eye Language, Indicators of sexual interest (IOsI).

Resources:

Argyle, M., & Cook, M. (1976). Gaze and mutual gaze. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

Aron, Arthur Reward, Motivation, and Emotion Systems Associated With Early-Stage Intense Romantic Love. Journal of neurophysiology 94.1 327-337.

Bateson, P. (2014). Play, Playfulness, Creativity and Innovation. Animal Behavior and Cognition. 2014. 1(2): 99-112. doi: 10.12966/abc05.02.2014

Bolmont, Mylene ; Cacioppo, John T ; Cacioppo, Stephanie. Love Is in the Gaze
Psychological Science. 2014. 25(9): 1748-1756.

Böckler, A., van der Wel, R. P. R. D., & Welsh, T. N. (2014). Catching eyes: Effects of social and nonsocial cues on attention capture. Psychological Science, 25, 720–727.
doi:10.1177/0956797613516147

Fisher, H. E. (1998). Lust, attraction, and attachment in mammalian reproduction. Human Nature, 9, 23–52.

Givens, David B. (1979). “Childlike Behavior in Courtship.” In Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality (April), p. 107.

Jones, B. C., Main, J. C., DeBruine, L. M., Little, A. C., & Welling, L. L. M. (2010). Reading the look of love: Sexually dysmorphic cues in opposite-sex faces influence gaze categorization. Psychological Science, 21, 796–798. doi:10.1177/0956797610370756

Kellerman, J., Lewis, J., & Laird, J. D. (1989). Looking and loving: The effects of mutual gaze on feelings of romantic love. Journal of Research in Personality, 23, 145–161.

Lloyd-Elliott, Martin. 1994. Secretes of Sexual Body Language. Ulysses Press.

Moore, M. M. 2001. Flirting. In C. G. Waugh (Ed.) Let’s talk: A cognitive skills approach to interpersonal communication. Newark, Kendall-Hunt.

Moore, M. M. 1985. Nonverbal courtship patterns in women: context and consequences. Ethology and Sociobiology 64: 237-247.

Moore, M. M. and D. L. Butler. 1989. Predictive aspects of nonverbal courtship behavior in women. Semiotica 76(3/4): 205-215.

Moore, M. M. 1985. Nonverbal courtship patterns in women: context and consequences. Ethology and Sociobiology 64: 237-247.

Macrae, C. N., Hood, B. M., Milne, A. B., Rowe, A. C., & Mason, M. F. (2002). Are you looking at me? Eye gaze and person perception. Psychological Science, 13, 460–464.

Mason, M. F., Tatkow, E. P., & Macrae, C. N. (2005). The look of love: Gaze shifts and person perception. Psychological Science, 16, 236–239. doi:10.1111/j.0956-7976.2005.00809.x.

Petrican, Raluca; Christopher T. Burris and Morris Moscovitch. Shame, Sexual Compulsivity, and Eroticizing Flirtatious Others: An Experimental Study. Journal of Sex Research. 2015. 52(1), 98–109, 2015. DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2013.829796
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/coy-flirtatious-smile-eye-contact-leads-shame-sex/

Palermo, R., & Rhodes, G. (2007). Are you always on my mind? A review of how face perception and attention interact. Neuropsychologia, 45, 75–92.

Rupp, H. A., & Wallen, K. (2007). Sex differences in viewing sexual stimuli: An eye-tracking study in men and women. Hormones and Behavior, 51, 524–533.

Roberson, Debi ; Kikutani, Mariko ; Doge, Paula ; Whitaker, Lydia ; Majid, Asifa. Shades of Emotion: What the Addition of Sunglasses or Masks to Faces Reveals about the Development of Facial Expression Processing. Cognition. 2012. 125(2): 195-206.

*No Photo, Liking, Metronomic signals, Rapport or rapport building, Social touching, Stroking body language

Body Language of Patting

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Patting

Cue: Patting

Synonym(s): See Hug Ender Cue.

Description: A rhythmic motion done by repeatedly applying the hand to the back, head, thigh or other part of another person’s body.

In One Sentence: Patting is a sign that one wishes to comfort through touch.

How To Use it: Use the pat to solidify and build bonds between people. A father can bond with his son or daughter by patting their back. Likewise, to offer sympathy to someone who is emotionally suffering, patting the back can help sooth. This cue reminds us of being cared for by parents so use it whenever you want to show parental support.

Avoid using patting on higher authority figures as un-reciprocated touching signals dominance.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: “I’m trying to comfort you by patting you.”

Variant: The pat can sometimes indicate the desire to break up a hug as in the “hug ender cue.” The patting action is like that of a wrestler how wishes to submit and be released from the clutches of his opponent. See Bottom Slapping or Bottom Pinching, Hug Ender Cue.

Cue In Action: a) During a warm embrace, Mom comforted her little boy by patting him on the back. b) A friend pats the top of the forearm of her friend to show her that everything is going to be okay.

Meaning and/or Motivation: A reassurance gesture aimed at soothing and comforting another person. The pat finds itself during hugs as well as between a boy and his father who might pat the top of his head to create and maintain a strong bond.

Cue Cluster: Patting is a stand-alone cue.

Body Language Category: Stroking body language, Liking, Metronomic signals, Rapport or rapport building, Social touching.

Resources:

Argo, J. J., Dahl, D. W., and Morales, A. C. (2006). Consumer contamination: How consumers react to products touched by others. Journal of Marketing, 70(April), 81–94.

Aranguren, Martin. “Nonverbal interaction patterns in the Delhi Metro: interrogative looks and play-faces in the management of interpersonal distance.” Interaction Studies. 2016. 16(1) forthcoming.

Aranguren, Martin and Stephane Tonnelat. Emotional Transactions in the Paris Subway: Combining Naturalistic Videotaping, Objective Facial Coding and Sequential Analysis in the Study of Nonverbal Emotional Behavior. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. 2014. 38:495–521. DOI 10.1007/s10919-014-0193-1
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/seriously-stop-touching-use-nonverbal-signaling-manage-unwanted-touching-busy-public

Bailenson, J.N. & Yee, N. (in press). Virtual interpersonal touch: Haptic interaction and copresence in collaborative virtual environments. International Journal of Multimedia Tools and Applications.

Broome, Marion E.. Helping Parents Support Their Child In Pain. Pediatric Nursing. 2000. 26(3): 315.

Butzen, Nathan David ; Bissonnette, Victor ; Mcbrayer, Dan. Effects of modeling and topic stimulus on self-referent touching. Perceptual and motor skills. 2005. 101(2): 413-20.

Bernal, Gilda Rios ; Wortham, Suec. How to Calm Children through Massage. Childhood Education. 1997. 74(1): 9-14.

Bohm. 1997. Effects of interpersonal touch, degree of justification, and sex of participant on compliance with a request. The Journal of social psychology. 137: 460-469.

Bowlby, J. (1979). The making and breaking of affectional bonds. British Journal of Psychiatry, 130, 201 -210, 42 1-43 1 .

Bohm. 1997. Effects of interpersonal touch, degree of justification, and sex of participant on compliance with a request. The Journal of social psychology. 137: 460-469.

Crusco, A. and C. Wetzel. 1984. The midas touch: the effects of interpersonal touch on restaurant tipping, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin 10: 512–517.

Dickinson, Amy. Block That Hug: The rules on touching children have changed for parents who volunteer as coaches or tutors.(Personal Time/Your Family)(Brief Article). Time. 2000. 155(14): 142.

Fisher, J; Rytting, M and Heslin, R. 1976. Hands touching hands: affective and evaluative effects on interpersonal touch, Sociometry 39: 416–421.

Guéguen, Nicolas. Nonverbal encouragement of participation in a course: the effect of touching Social Psychology of Education. 2004. 7: 89–98.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/a-touching-way-to-encourage/

Gueguen, Nicolas; Sebastien Meineri and Virginie Charles-Sire. Improving Medication Adherence by Using Practitioner Nonverbal Techniques: A Field Experiment on the Effect of Touch. Journal of Behavioral Medice. 2010. 33:466–473
DOI 10.1007/s10865-010-9277-5
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/touching-boosts-compliance-improving-medical-compliance-using-nonverbal-communication/

Guéguen, N. (2001a). Toucher et soumission a` une requeˆte: Re´plications expe´rimentales en situation naturelle et e´valuation de l’impact du statut. Revue Internationale de Psychologie Sociale. 2001(a). 14(3):113-158.

Guéguen, N. (2001b). L’effet d’influence du toucher sur le comportement du consommateur: 2 illustrations expe´rimentales en exte´rieur. Direction et Gestion: La Revue des Sciences de Gestion. 2001(b). 190–191, 123–132.

Guéguen, N and C. Jacob 2006, Touch and consumer behavior: A new experimental evidence in a field setting, International Journal of Management 23: 24–33.

Guéguen, N., & Jacob, C. The effect of touch on tipping: An evaluation in a French’s bar. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 2005. 24(2): 295-299.

Gueguen, Nicolas; Celine Jacob; Gaelle Boulbry. The Effect of Touch on Compliance With a Restaurant’s Employee Suggestion. Hospitality Management. 2007. 26: 1019-1023.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/touching-leads-compliance-study/

Golden, Deborah. Hugging the Teacher: Reading Bodily Practice in an Israeli Kindergarten. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice. 2004. 10(4): 395-407.

Hansen, Jacqueline. The Truth about Teaching and Touching. Childhood Education. 2007. 83(3): 158-162.

Hertenstein, Matthew J; Keltner, Dacher; App, Betsy; Bulleit, Brittany A; Jaskolka, Ariane R 2006. Touch Communicates Distinct Emotions. Emotion. 6(3): 528-533

Hosey, Geoffrey ; Thompson, Robin. Grooming and touching behaviour in captive ring-tailed lemurs ( Lemur catta L.). Primates. 1985. 26(1): 95-98.

Jeffrey D. Fisher; Marvin Rytting; Richard Heslin. 1976. Hands Touching Hands: Affective and Evaluative Effects of an Interpersonal Touch. Sociometry, 39(4): 416-421.

Krishna, A., and Morrin, M. (2008). Does touch affect taste? The perceptual transfer of product container haptic cues. Journal of Consumer Research, 34(6), 807–818.

Kleinke, C. Compliance to Requests Made by Gazing and Touching Experimenters in Field Settings. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. 1977. 13: 218–223.

Kaufman, D. and J. Mahoney. 1999 The effect of waitresses’ touch on alcohol consumption in dyads, The Journal of Social Psychology 139: 261–267.

Kneidinger, L. M.; Maple, T. L.; Tross, S. A. 2001. Touching behavior in sport: functional components, analysis of sex differences, and ethological considerations. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 25(1): 43-62.

Landau, Rivka. Affect and attachment: Kissing, hugging, and patting as attachment behaviors. Infant Mental Health Journal. 1989. 10(1): 59-69.

Lee Ann Renninger, T. Joel Wade, Karl Grammer. Getting that female glance: Patterns and consequences of male nonverbal behavior in courtship contexts. Evolution and Human Behavior. 2004; 25: 416–431.
http://bodylanguageproject.com/articles/part-i-how-to-read-male-sexual-body-language-a-study-for-women-and-the-men-who-wish-to-cheat-the-system/

Lynn et al., 1998 M. Lynn, J.M. Le and D. Sherwyn. 1998. Reach out and touch your customers, Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quaterly 39: 60-65

Larsen, Knuds. ; Leroux, Jeff. A study of same sex touching attitudes: Scale development and personality predictors. Journal of Sex Research. 1984. 20(3): 264-278.

Maclaren, Kym. Touching matters: Embodiments of intimacy. Emotion, Space and Society. 2014. 13: 95-102.

Nannberg, J., & Hansen, C. Post-compliance touch: An incentive for task performance. The Journal of Social Psychology. 1994.134, 301–307.

Nelson, Holly ; Geher, Glenn. Mutual Grooming in Human Dyadic Relationships: An Ethological Perspective. Current Psychology. 2007. 26(2): 121-140.

Paulsell, Shari ; Goldman, Morton. The Effect of Touching Different Body Areas on Prosocial Behavior. The Journal of Social Psychology. 1984. 122(2): 269-273.

Peck, J., & Shu, S. B. (2009). The effect of mere touch on perceived ownership. Journal of Consumer Research, 36(Oct), 434–447.

Peck, J., & Wiggins, J. (2006). It just feels good: Consumers’ affective response to touch and its influence on persuasion. Journal of Marketing, 70(Oct), 56–69.

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R. Stephen and R. Zweigenhaft. 1986. The effect on tipping of a waitress touching male and female customers. The Journal of Social Psychology 126 pp. 141–142.

Remland, M. S. and T. S. Jones 1995. Interpersonal Distance, Body Orientation, and Touch: Effects of Culture, Gender, and Age. Journal of Social Psychology 135(3): 281-297.

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Barriers, Blocking or Shielding, Body cross, Clenching and gripping, Closed body language, Defensive body language, Embarrassment (nonverbal), Low confidence body language, Nervous Body Language, Shy nonverbal

Body Language of Partial Arm Cross or Incomplete Arm Cross

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Partial Arm Cross or Incomplete Arm Cross

Cue: Partial Arm Cross or Incomplete Arm Cross

Synonym(s): Incomplete Arm Cross, Elbow Grab, Shoulder Grab, Hand to Elbow, Hand to Shoulder, Half-Hug.

Description: Where one arm crosses over the body to clasp the other arm or elbow. It can also happen by reaching across to grab the opposite shoulder.

In One Sentence: A partial arm cross is a sign of insecurity.

How To Use it: Use this gesture to create comfort where escape is impractical. Unlike a full arm cross which tells others that you are not ready to receive additional information, a partial arm cross can be used to tell others that you are not totally at ease. This can be used to signal to others the desire to be protected.

Context: General.

Verbal Translation: “I’m feeling awkward and insecure. I need to feel protected so I’m going to reach across my body making a shield and cut off access while also feeling like mom or dad is holding me and protecting me.”

Variant: See Arm Crossing.

Cue In Action: Her mom brought her to a busy mall where they met up with friends. A particularly cute boy was also there with his family and they began to chat. Her mom was busy looking at clothing and she was left by herself. She enjoyed talking with him, but felt awkward which was evident because she grabber her elbow across her body tightly.

Meaning and/or Motivation: Reaching across the body and grabbing the opposite elbow or shoulder is mainly a female posture. While the double arm hug is a defensive postures, the partial arm cross is a subtle posture that indicates fear, timidity, shyness and lack of self confidence. Both are barrier type postures which protect the core of the body like a shield to signals to others that we don’t wish for them to come close.

The origins of the partial arm cross likely stems from the comfort felt by a child who’s hand was held or who’s shoulder was grasped by a parent when in novel situations. The posture feels natural and comfortable when in fearful situations because it provides the sensation of being hugged and protected, like having our hand held.

Women are the most common users of this posture. While men can be seen in the partial arm cross, although it is much more rare. It may have to do with trying not to appear as timid or that men simply experience the emotions far less. Men will use other postures such as the fig leaf posture or play with the cufflink or watch instead. They may also seek other displacement activities to help self sooth.

Cue Cluster: Expect to see other gestures like child-like swaying, biting the lower lip or inside of the cheek, blushing, touching the face when fingers are not crossed, shortness of breath, eyes fixated, worried or wandering to seek an exit, feet and torso pointed away.

Body Language Category: Barriers, Body cross, Blocking or Shielding, Clenching and gripping, Closed body language, Defensive body language, Embarrassment (nonverbal), Low confidence body language, Nervous body language, Shy nonverbal.

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*No Photo, Courtship display, Indicator Of Sexual Interest (IOsI)

Body Language of Parallel Legs

by Chris • October 27, 2014 • 0 Comments

Body Language of Parallel Legs

Cue: Parallel Legs

Synonym(s): N/A

Description: A female sitting posture best exhibited in a skirt, where the legs are pressed together parallel to each other.

In One Sentence: Parallel legs is a female sitting posture that frames a woman’s legs in a highly sexual way.

How To Use it: Women can use this posture to emphasize their legs by making them appear toned and tight. The cue is effective with a short skirt. High heels will also boost the illusion by increasing leg length. A high slit is another variation which is highly provocative. Women should use this cue to arouse sexual curiosity in men, thus it is reserved for a dating context. Unless women wish to send the cue out to many men and see which is confident enough to approach, she can anchor the cue to a man specifically with eye contact, followed by a smile as eyes are lowered. On a date, this cue can help a woman signal high reproductive value which will elicit men to pursue.

Context: a) General b) Dating.

Verbal Translation: “I’m pressing my legs together to show you, and everyone else, how sexy I am and how firm and toned my legs are – I hope you notice.”

Variant: See Leg Twine, Leg Crossing and Leg Crossing Direction.

Cue In Action: She made fleeting eye contact, uncrossed and re-crossed her legs. His eyes made her uncomfortable, but excited. This made her fidget. This time she uncrossed her legs, made eye contact once again, then she pressed her legs together flexed them tightly against one another while lowering her eyes and blushing. Her leg began to bounce up and down. It had a soothing effect.

Meaning and/or Motivation: One leg pressed against the other makes the legs sexier, toned, and more youthful in appearance. Men find this posture alluring because it draws the eyes in and provides mystery since it is normally done in a short skirt.

Because the legs are not crossed, it adds allure, but avoids appearing crass or easy because the legs are pressed together rather than uncrossed.

Cue Cluster: Watch for other signals of sexual interest to determine the aim of the cue, be it as a general broadcast cue to potential suitors or directed through eye contact to one in particular. Cues such as eye contact coupled with hair play or hair toss, stroking an object such as the stem of a glass can indicate sexual interest.

Body Language Category: Courtship display, Indicators of sexual interest (IOsI).

Resources:

Hewes, Gordon (1957). “The Anthropology of Posture.” In Scientific American (Vol. 196), pp. 122-32.

Morris, Desmond (1994). Bodytalk: The Meaning of Human Gestures (New York: Crown Publishers).

Pease, Barbara and Allan Pease. 2006. The Definitive Book of Body Language Hardcover. Bantam.

Vrugt, Anneke, and Ada Kerkstra (1984). “Sex Differences in Nonverbal Communication.” In Semiotica (50-1/2), pp. 1-41.

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