Research shows that the majority of communication is nonverbal. We need to learn more about our body language.
Over at Well and Good, Jaime Brockway shares some tips for spotting how your body language could be inadvertently communicating, but what your date may be saying too.
- Closing yourself off physically.
On a first date it is crucial to make eye contact, smile, and stay in close proximity to your date. If you appear to be closed off, you look disinterested and not excited to be on your date. For example, by being more animated with your hands, rather than keeping your arms crossed, you display enthusiasm. Showing enthusiasm conveys a sense of seriousness about dating, and that lets your date know that they are not just someone you are killing time with.
- Bring a playful energy.
Your body language changes according to your environment. For instance, the same body language you present in a professional setting is one that you should never bring to a first date. Women who work in a male-dominated field may unconsciously have a more stern body language in order to be taken seriously in the workplace. If you’re meeting your date after work, do some stretches to relax so you are not as tense.
- Keep boundaries
Being flirty on the first date is encouraged. Making eye contact, a flirtatious touch on the shoulder is ok too. However, invading someone’s space on the first date can be off putting. Don’t over do the body language by constantly fixing your clothes, or making eye contact on one spot of your dates body. Mirroring your date’s body language can keep things on the same page.
