Reading Body Language by Uchiha Barbossa

Body language is one of the most important topics but yet we humans tend to ignore it on a daily basis. The way an individual relates with others should be of utmost importance. As individuals interact with each other, basic signals are given off subconsciously, the mastery and identification of these signals is most certainly bound to make one more socially intelligent and more understanding when having a conversation with someone else.

Different body language signals are given off under different conditions; for example one does not expect a young lady talking with her boyfriend to behave the same way when talking with a stranger on the street. Also different body gestures also convey different frames of mind, so being able to read ones body language accurately is tantamount to reading someone’s mind.

Also it is possible that the same way body language gestures convey the mental state of mind is also the same way body gestures can affect the mental state of mind. Take for instance you practice smiling in front of a mirror everyday, you notice that with time you cannot help feeling happy,  but wear a frown all day long and you gradually morph into a depressed creature lol.

Below are a list of few (trust me, they are a lot) common body language gestures and what they signify.

Gesture: Brisk, erect walk
Meaning: Confidence

Gesture: Standing with hands on hips
Meaning: Readiness, aggression

Gesture: Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightly
Meaning: Boredom

Gesture: Sitting, legs apart
Meaning: Open, relaxed

Gesture: Arms crossed on chest
Meaning: Defensiveness

Gesture: Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched
Meaning: Dejection

Gesture: Hand to cheek
Meaning: Evaluation, thinking

Gesture: Touching, slightly rubbing nose
Meaning: Rejection, doubt, lying

Gesture: Rubbing the eye
Meaning: Doubt, disbelief

Gesture: Hands clasped behind back
Meaning: Anger, frustration, apprehension0

Gesture: Locked ankles
Meaning: Apprehension

Gesture: Head resting in hand, eyes downcast
Meaning: Boredom

Gesture: Rubbing hands
Meaning: Anticipation

Gesture: Sitting with hands clasped behind head, legs crossed
Meaning: Confidence, superiority

Gesture: Open palm
Meaning: Sincerity, openness, innocence

Gesture: Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed
Meaning: Negative evaluation

Gesture: Tapping or drumming fingers
Meaning: Impatience

Gesture: Steepling fingers
Meaning: Authoritative

Gesture: Patting/fondling hair
Meaning: Lack of self-confidence; insecurity

Gesture: Quickly tilted head
Meaning: Interest

Gesture: Stroking chin
Meaning: Trying to make a decision

Gesture: Looking down, face turned away
Meaning: Disbelief

Gesture: Biting nails
Meaning: Insecurity, nervousness

Gesture: Pulling or tugging at ear
Meaning: Indecision

Gesture: Prolonged tilted head
Meaning: Boredom

When reading or using body language, remember that one body language signal can be interpreted in many ways - it is not linked only with one feeling and attitude. The context/ situation and other body language signals (eyes, facial expression) must be also taken into account. It should also be mentioned that people from different cultures can interpret body language in different ways. Such as nodding and shaking one´s head or burbing.

Now remember the laws of body language does not apply to everyone the same way, in order to accurately read someone’s body language you must have studied that individual for quite sometime and most importantly watch your self and know what message you’re giving off. Note also that body language is not restricted only to humans

                                                                                                      --UCHIHA BARBOSSA