Growing up, I was absolutely useless at telling if someone had a crush on me. Had I known and understood body language signs of attraction, I probably would have had a few more romantic escapades. As a teen I was more interested in hanging out with my friends and making home movies than I was boys, but when my friends started dating, I joined in too for fear of missing out. I had no clue what I was doing.
However, if I had never met my partner and had been single in my 20s, I reckon I'd most likely be akin to Jess Day of New Girl . I'd be given a baptism of fire like Jess in the Season 1 episode, "Cece Crashes," when her BFF Cece teaches her the basics of body language, including when someone's feet point directly at you, which apparently means they like you. Jess tries this out on roommate Nick to discover if he has a crush on her and the results are hilarious.
So to assist any gals who are far from fluent in body language, or to help you brush up on your basics, here's a body language signals guide which should help you decipher if someone is into you or not.
1. They Lean In
According to The Huffington Post, the movement of leaning in is used to attract someone. Writer Vanessa Van Edwards said, "Leaning towards someone is a nonverbal way of telling them you are engaged. This works especially well if you are in a group of people and you are interested in one person in the group. A way to show them you are interested is by leaning towards them. This subconsciously will pull them in your direction." Bear this in mind particularly when you're in a group of friends and someone is leaning in your direction.
2. Men Raise Their Eyebrows
Author of The Power of Body Language , Tonya Reiman, explained to Glamour that when a guy swiftly raises his brows it's a good sign, "When it’s coupled with a smile, you can usually assume he’s attracted to you.” IMO this is a great giveaway to look out for, so keep your eyes peeled as it could happen as quick as a wink.
3. Women Expose Their Wrists
When looking out for the green light from a woman, behavioral psychologist and dating coach Jo Hemmings informed Peter Hutchison in his article for The Telegraph, to keep an eye out for gals hitching their sleeves up. Hemmings explained, "It is one of the unusual ones, but it's very common and fun to watch out for."
4. Men Sit With Their Legs Open
This is quite a comedic, yet simple signal. Barbara Pease, co-author of The Body Language of Love, informed Body and Soul, elaborated that, "His feet are planted firmly on the ground, with his legs apart, displaying the crotch, and letting whoever is observing know that he's not going anywhere." Granted... this one is a little weird in general, but it could also be a super easy sign to spot, especially if you're sitting across from a guy pulling this move.
5. Women Rest Their Heads On Their Hands
According to Body and Soul, when women are into someone, they display their faces. Writer Astha Gupta informed readers that, "A woman who is trying to attract a man's attention, with elbows resting on a surface, will place one hand on top of the other, then place her chin on her hands and face directly to him as is she is offering it to him for admiration." This is quite an obvious move, so make sure not to miss it!
6. Their Pupils Enlarge
This could be one of the most well-known body language signs to tell if someone digs you, but it can be quite tricky to spot. Body language expert Patti Wood told Cosmopolitan , "Dilation is a brain response that occurs when you like and are attracted to something," Keep in mind, though, that it may be a good idea to check the light levels around you to make sure your crush's pupils aren't enlarging due to a lack of light.
7. Their Feet Point Towards You
It turns out Cece was right after all! Judy Dutton author of How We Do It: How the Science of Sex Can Make You a Better Lover, discussed body language with Marie Claire and explained, "Feet typically point in the direction they want to go, so if someone's feet are pointed toward you, that's good. If they're pointed away from you, that's bad. If someone's feet are pointed in toward each other, that 'pigeon toes' stance is actually a good sign, since it's a subconscious attempt to shrink in size and appear harmless, approachable ... which may very well mean someone likes you, a lot." According to this, Nick was into Jess at the start of New Girl.
Of course, these are just tips. And none will probably determine completely whether or not someone is into you. But maybe keeping an eye out for one or two will give you the extra push to make a move or reveal your feelings to someone you like — and that's always a step in the right direction.
Images: NaveenKumar, TordSollie , MiladaVigerova, SeanBrown, ScottWebb /Unsplash; Giphy (3)
