Body language is a form of nonverbal communication. We use it to express ourselves via physical gestures, facial expressions, and postures. Often, we convey emotions, thoughts, and attitudes through involuntarily signals that happen automatically when we are in certain situations - for example, when we are being dishonest, or when we distrust those around us. Here, we are going to explain how to use your body language to find love.
Body language has been studied extensively in the fields of psychology, anthropology, and linguistics. It is probably the most powerful tool in human communication. Our non-verbal behaviour often conveys information that words alone cannot express. Without saying anything, we are able to communicate emotions such as joy, fear, shock and anger.
For single people who are looking for love, it is important to remember that our body language is a great indicator of our level of interest in a conversation. For example, we generally assume that if someone looks away mid conversation, they are searching for someone else to talk to. It also gives away whether we are being truthful. The way in which we present ourselves through body language has a huge impact on the way others perceive us. One of the key areas our dating coaches work on with our members is how to use body language on a first date. It is essential to be aware of our body language in order to put others at ease. Great body language skills help us to make a positive impression, creating a sense of trust and understanding.
Simple Body Language Checklist
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Good posture conveys confidence. Walk tall with your shoulders back and head held high. Avoid slouching when sitting. When we appear comfortably confident, others relax around us.
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Avoiding eye contact makes a person appear disinterested or even untrustworthy. Avoid staring but show your interest in what your companion is saying by maintaining steady eye contact.
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Facial expressions are key in terms of non-verbal signals. Smiling and frowning can be used to communicate emotions and messages without words.
Essentially, there are seven different facial expressions which correspond to distinct universal facial emotions:
Happiness
Raising and lowering of the corners of the mouth, cheeks raised, and muscles around the - eyes are tightened.
Sadness
Lowering of the corners of the mouth, raising inner portion of brows.
Surprise
Arching the eyebrows, eyelids pulled up and sclera exposed, opening the mouth.
Fear
Arching the eyebrows and pulling them together, eyes wide open, mouth slightly open.
Disgust
Lowering the eyebrows, raising the upper lip, nose wrinkled, cheeks raised.
Anger
Lowering the eyebrows, eyes bulging, lips pressed together firmly.
Being aware of your body language and how it affects the way others perceive you can help you progress in life both professionally and socially. The best communicators understand how to use non-verbal communication to convey their honesty, warmth and professionalism.
Cultural Differences
It is really important to remember that gestures can mean different things in different cultures. For example, the 'OK' sign in Greece, Spain and Brazil is extremely offensive. And while a 'thumbs up' in America and European cultures is a positive sign, in Greece and the Middle East it can be seen as an insult.
Northern Europe and the Far East are seen as non-contact cultures. There is generally little physical contact beyond a handshake with people we don’t know well. Accidentally brushing someone’s arm on the street can warrant an apology.
By comparison, in the Middle East, Latin America, and southern Europe, physical touch is a big part of socialising.
- High contact cultures often stand close when speaking and make physical contact.
- Medium contact cultures stand fairly close when speaking and will touch on occasion.
- Low contact cultures tend to stand at a greater distance and generally avoid physical contact.
Don´t forget to read up on local body language before travelling!
If you are ready to learn more about how to use your body language to find love, our dating coaches will be happy to help. Call a member of our friendly team today to find out how a Personal Matchmaking membership will help you to find a fantastic new relationship with the help of our dating experts.
