Body Language Decoder
Whether you've just met your man or are in a long term relationship, this body language guide deciphers the meanings behind his actions.
Whether you've just met your man or are in a long term relationship, this body language guide deciphers the meanings behind his actions.
First Meeting: He positions his chest and shoulders toward you, even if he's looking at something else
What it Means
Whether it's you, your best friend, or the keg in the corner, whatever a boy aims his upper body at is the most meaningful thing in the room to him. So if one night, a tasty man-morsel approaches your posse, you and your friends won't need to fight for the fella's affections; study his body language and you'll already know who he's after.
First Meeting: He half smiles
What it Means
There's a good chance this guy just wants a no-strings fling. "A sneerlike grin is an indication that he's not being sincere with you," points out body language expert Patti Wood. "It's a split-face gesture: Each side of his face is telling a different story."
First Meeting: He lifts his eyebrows
What it Means
When a man sees someone he's into, he'll automatically lift and lower his eyebrows, wrinkling his forehead in the process. But you'll have to keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of this telltale signal. Anthropologists call it the eyebrow flash because it's usually lightning-quick.
First Meeting: He touches his belt or jeans pocket
What it Means
If he touches his belt, hangs his thumb off a front pocket, or even scratches himself down there, you may need to hose him down — he's subconsciously trying to draw your attention to his, ahem, assets.
First Meeting: He holds a looong, piercing gaze
What it Means
Although you may think he's smitten, he could be playing you. Holding intense eye contact for more than five seconds doesn't happen naturally, so he may be using the look as a seduction technique to get you into bed.
First Meeting: He stands or sits with his toes pointed toward each other
What it Means
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This means he's feeling a little unsure of himself. So if a boy at the bar is striking this pose, he's digging you but needs reassurance that the interest is mutual.
First Meeting: He has a coy, close-mouth grin that shows only at the corners of his upturned mouth
What it Means
Rest assured he likes you, but he doesn't want to reveal too much too soon. He's probably a bit shy (and possibly insecure) so he won't put all of his emotions on the line right away.
First Meeting: He tilts his head slightly to the side when your eyes meet
What it Means
The head tilt is a subconscious come-hither signal to any femme the guy has feelings for. So if that man you've been making eyes with for the last hour gives you the head tilt, that's your cue to go in for the kill and introduce yourself or even send him a drink.
First Meeting: He smiles with his top lip stretched wide and his front teeth just barely peeking through
What it Means
This tight-lipped look is a polite signal that while he enjoys your company, the romantic spark may not be there. But that doesn't mean his feelings can't develop.
First Meeting: He has a devilish smirk where he raises the right or left side of his closed mouth
What it Means
You'll have to play hard to get with this boy if you want to hook him. A guy with a grin like this thrives when presented with a bit of a challenge. Catch him if you can.
First Meeting: He stands with his legs spread apart
What it Means
A guy will often stand with his legs spread apart and pelvis facing you when he's hot for you. It's a primal, biological instinct, and most guys don't even know they're doing it.
Dating: He extends his palm
What it Means
When a guy offers his palm to you faceup, you know hands down he's hooked. He's literally and figuratively reaching out to the person he's speaking with in an attempt to connect on a deeper emotional level. Even cooler: Our brains respond to hand gestures with heightened alertness (we have a special region that processes only hand shapes), so you'll actually feel the love.
Dating: He strokes his stomach
What it Means
A midriff massager craves the spotlight and needs steady verbal reminders of what an absolute catch you think he is. However, when it comes to throwing fond feelings your way, this tongue-tied cutie is much more action than words. But if you want him to shower you with the affection he's capable of, you'll have to stroke his ego as often as he strokes himself.
Dating: His kiss is long and lusty
What it Means
"A full-blown smooch that lasts more than 10 seconds shows he's had sex with you on his brain all day," says Audrey Nelson, PhD, author of You Don't Say: Navigating Nonverbal Communication Between the Sexes. The sack sessions are bound to be intense.
Dating: He licks his lips
What it Means
A man in lust will literally look like he's hungry, because on a carnal level, that's exactly what he is. So if you catch him doing these lip moves while he's looking at you, chances are good that you'll wet his erotic appetite.
Dating: He leans in close
What it Means
A dude who wants to get intimate will often invade your personal space. In normal interactions, men position themselves a foot and a half to 2 feet away. But a guy who has sex with you on the brain will stand less than an arm's length from you or closer because he's trying to connect physically and create intimacy.
Dating: He proudly holds your hand in public
What it Means
He wants to show the world that you're his. That indicates that he's the type who craves close partnership.
Dating: He touches the small of your back, your upper thigh, or your sides
What it Means
If a guy is sexually aroused, he'll touch these sensual, sensitive areas, not even bothering with the gradual buildup, like holding your hand or stroking your arm.
Dating: He laughs easily
What it Means
The guy is relaxed and able to be himself with you. "He's letting his guard down and comfortable expressing his emotions, which a man usually does when he's thinking long-term," says relationship expert Jeffrey Bernstein, PhD, coauthor of "Why Can't You Read My Mind?"
Dating: He says goodbye by planting one on you
What it Means
If you and your guy regularly part with a lengthy lip-lock, then damn you're lucky! A man with good-bye MO is incredibly passionate and highly erotic.
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