Body Language Tips
Before you go ahead and read this article on body language during a first date, take heed – you can never unlearn what you are about to read. Once you know the body language signs to look out for, you will be paying close attention to them throughout your date. What’s more, whilst trying to process what your dates movements and postures mean, you will simultaneously be trying to strike the perfect pose to present the best possible body language in return. If there’s a chance these mind games will undermine your natural ability to judge a good date, look away now. Otherwise, read on with caution.
We instinctively raise our eyebrows when we want to give our eyes the space to drink in the view in front of us. When you were a child, your mother’s eyebrows probably shot up in reaction to a horrific naughty scene of crayon covered walls, or food splattered kitchen. Fear not, as your date is not here to scold you. Instead their eyebrow lift helps them gaze at your face, and is an indication that they like what they see.
If your date is gently touching their face, it could mean either they are paying close attention to what you are saying, or they’d rather be touching you but aren’t ready to do so yet. Whatever the reason, this one’s sending you positive vibes. But be warned, if their face, neck or back are getting a good scratching, it means they are uncomfortable and want to leave.
Our tongues flick out to lick our lips when we see something we want. This could be a tasty meal, delicious drink, or an astonishingly good looking date. It’s a good sign that your date would like to get to know you a lot better.
A gentle rocking back and forth motion is the brain’s way of telling the body “I’m not sure if we should stay here, or get going”, and is an indication that the person is not fully at ease. If it’s more of a sway than a rock, consider the possibility that your date is having trouble keeping their balance.
This intimate gesture could be a sign of encouragement or a red flag. If your date gently moves a stray hair, or picks a piece of fluff from your clothing, pay attention to their facial expression as they do so. A nervous smile, or loving gaze indicates that they want to initiate physical contact, and avoid a chaste friendship based relationship. However, if they have a look of concern, annoyance or even a grimace on their face, this indicates a need for perfection that you should be wary of.
If your date’s feet are pointed towards the exit, this is a sure sign their brain is telling their body to get ready to leave. You’ll need to figure out for yourself whether they intend to run away from you, or leave the location of the date, but take you with them.
It’s important to remember that understanding body language, is all about reading it in the appropriate context.
If your date hasn’t lifted an eyebrow, and has instead perfected a squint in your direction, perhaps the lighting is too bright, and there is no underlying message to their facial expression.
Also consider the possibility that your date has also been reading up on body language, so that all the signals you are watching are not natural subconscious messages from their body, but a conscious effort to give the best impression.