Eye contact norms are different across cultures. In some cultures, it’s considered rude. [2] X Research source It can also feel too intense for people with disabilities or mental health issues, e. g. autism or social anxiety. So in some cases, avoidance of eye contact just means that the person is trying to stay comfortable or be polite. When in doubt, trust your instincts when it comes to reading body language. Though there are many general ways to read non-verbal cues like eye contact, everyone is different, so go with your gut instinct.
Raised eyebrows can also be a sign of insincerity. For example, if someone compliments your outfit with their eyebrows raised, they might not really mean it. Other times, people may raise their eyebrows when they feel curious.
Look at a posed photo where everyone’s smiling on command to get an idea of what it looks like when smiles are forced.
For example, if you’re a manager and you ask a subordinate to work over the weekend, a clenched jaw and furrowed brow might show you that the proposal stresses them out. You might want to reconsider asking them to do you the favor!
People may also show microexpressions of discomfort or fear when they’re lying. So, be wary if someone starts grimacing when they’re telling you something!
For example, if you’re in a business negotiation and the other party has their arms crossed, they might not be liking what you’re proposing. However, this can also just be a sign that they think the room is a little chilly. See if their other cues match.
For example, if you’re in a business meeting and the person talking tends to gesture towards someone sitting off to their left, you might want to pay attention to what that person has to say later on.
If someone’s fidgeting while they’re talking, it can also be a sign of lying. Remember to always judge people’s body language based on the context, as well. People with disabilities like autism and ADHD may fidget more often. This could be a sign of restlessness, but it could also just be their way of improving their focus or staying calm. Intense fidgeting may be a sign they’re struggling to stay calm and may need a break or a quieter environment.
This is because, when someone’s telling a lie, their mind is too busy making up the story to use hand gestures at the same time.
For example, if someone walks into a room and you immediately feel like they’re in charge, take a look at their posture. They’re probably standing up very erectly!
For example, if someone leans their head the same way as you when you’re talking or shifts their legs in the same direction as you, that’s mirrored body language.
For example, when an athlete wins a sports competition, they often throw both hands in the air because they feel confident and dominant.
Leaning or turning away doesn’t always mean they dislike you. They could feel overwhelmed in general, be in the wrong mood for talking (e. g. if they think they might be running late), or think you don’t smell good and need a shower. See if they act this way during multiple conversations or if this is just a bad time.
You can also observe how close 2 other people are to each other to try and infer what their relationship is.
