Body Language of The Room Encompassing Glance
Cue: Room Encompassing Glance (the)
Synonym(s): N/A
Description: The room encompassing glance occurs by first casting her eyes around the room for five to ten seconds. If she spots someone she is interested in, she will take a second look. This second glance is not directed at the entire room, but rather in the direction of a specific man. It will be short, and she will rotate her head twenty-five to forty degrees to the side then look away, usually downward, within about three seconds. Women usually continue this behavior until they meet their target’s eyes. At this point, the target and the woman will hold a mutual gaze lasting about three seconds which is normally broken by the woman by looking down.
In One Sentence: The room encompassing glance is a female cue signaling sexual interest.
How To Use it: Women should follow the Description (above) in a dating context to signal sexual interest. At times, the cue will need to be repeated or coupled with additional sexual cues to send a more definitive sexual invitation. Women should send nonverbal signals to men as an invitation, but also, and perhaps more importantly, as permission to approach. The more signals offered, the more likely it is that men will receive the message correctly and also act upon them.
Context: Dating.
Verbal Translation: “I’m interested in you and I want you to know that by looking over at you coyly. I’m giving you permission to pursue me.”
Variant: See Eye Catch And Look Away, Eye Flash, Eye Pop and Flashbulb Eyes, Eye Flutter or Batting Eyes, Peek-a-boo Game (the), Eye Widening.
Cue In Action: Emily was smitten. She couldn’t stop herself from looking at Dave but she was way too shy and scared to go over and talk to him. She cast her eyes his way but didn’t want to get caught looking. Each time he looked her way, her eyes darted to the ground in embarrassment. After the third time, Dave knew something was up so he sauntered over and said “hi.” She blushed immediately.
Meaning and/or Motivation: The room encompassing glance is a sexual signal performed by women interested in being pursued. More specifically, it is done by women who are “checking out” potential suitors and it is done totally unconsciously as is most all other body language. It is very subtle and also very specific.
It should be noted also that most men are fairly clueless in reading this signal and usually miss it. If women wish to make it more powerful and obvious they should add a slight smile. The light bulb usually goes off with the addition of this more overt signal.
Cue Cluster: Watch for submissive cues to accompany the room encompassing glance such as palm up and wrist exposure, neck displays, head lowered, blushing, eyes up, looking up through the forehead, looking over the shoulder, smiling coyly, giggling or laughing, fidgeting and so forth.
Body Language Category: Approach tell, Courtship display, Eye Language, Indicators of sexual interest (IOsI), Intention movements, Liking, Orienting reflex or orienting response, Tie signals.
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