Body Language of The European Leg Cross
Cue: European Leg Cross
Synonym(s): Knee-Knee Leg Cross.
Description: A sitting position where the leg is crossed neatly over the other in a longitudinal fashion.
In One Sentence: The European leg cross is a sign that a person is in control of themselves and wishes for others to see him or her as sophisticated and proper.
How To Use it: Men should use the European leg cross when they wish to show others that they are well mannered. It falls in direct contrast to spreading the legs which is overt and dominant. Keeping the legs together shows others that you wish to be careful about being offensive. Therefore, use the leg cross during business context, in academic circles, and amongst friends and relatives. The leg cross shows others that you do not wish to be offensive or vie for power and dominance.
Women are best advised to use this sitting posture most of the time, especially when wearing dresses or skirts as it produces an element of chasteness. This posture falls in direct contrast to having the legs wide open. In recent times, women have been permitted to carry more masculine postures including legs spread, however, women of sexual maturity should cross their legs one over the other to appear more feminine, in control, and to create and protect their social sexual value by keeping it out of the public view.
Weddings, which is becoming one rare time when women dress up, is proving to be particularly troublesome for women as it related to the leg cross posture. Not being accustomed to crossing the legs and being in feminine attire including dresses and skirts, often leads to undergarment flashing. Women should be mindful of their attire with respect to their posture and how they will be perceived by others. While not all women seek to be treated lady-like, if they do, they should use lady-like comportment.
Context: General.
Verbal Translation: “By crossing my legs neatly together I’m showing everyone that I’m proper, controlled and cerebral.”
Variant: See Leg Crossing and Leg Crossing Direction, Loving Circle Leg Cross.
Cue In Action: At the meeting of scholars, the professor neatly crossed his legs while addressing a large crowd.
Meaning and/or Motivation: The European leg cross is the most common seating position in European, Asian and British cultures. It signifies dignity, intelligence, and desire to be proper. This is the case for both men and women. It contrasts directly with legs spread or the Figure-Four Leg Cross which is more dominant and overt since it puts the crotch on display.
Women will often be seen in the European leg cross as the absence of a penis makes it more comfortable, but men who wish to show superiority will also sit in this fashion to be more proper. Women in skirts are almost forced to sit in the European leg cross to prevent others from seeing up their skirts but will also reveal additional thigh creating a degree of sexual appeal. Men residing in the West commonly sit in the figure four postures where the ankle rests on the opposite knee. This is a more dominant and authoritative due to the crotch display.
Cue Cluster: The European leg cross is often coupled with leaning back and being slightly more detached, rather than wanting and leaning forward. This is usually controlled gesticulation, a calm demeanor, stern and less animated facial expressions.
Body Language Category: Arrogance or arrogant body language, Authoritative body language, Comfort body language, Confident, Dominant body language, Nonthreatening body language, Closed body language.
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