Psychology Diary

The First Step Toward Change Is Awareness

  • Home
  • Relationships
  • Mental Health
  • Expert Tips
  • Life
  • Family
  • Marriage

How to Read People and Decode 5 Body Language Cues

May 29, 2023 · Expert Tips
Body Language
Photo by Jacob Lund at Shutterstock

Physical Movements

People tend to express their feelings through movements more than they do through words. For instance, experts in body language say that we usually lean toward those we like and away from people we don’t.

Experts say that if someone’s leaning in, they have their hands out and open and palms facing up, that’s a good sign that they’re vibing with you. If you’ve observed that a person is leaning away, they’re probably trying to put up a wall.

Another movement to watch for is the crossing of someone’s arms or legs. If you see them doing this, it indicates anger, defensiveness, or self-protection.

If someone’s leaning towards you and suddenly crosses their arms after you say something, you probably said something that the person didn’t like. On another note, if someone’s hiding their hands, it means they’re hiding something.

And if you see them cuticle picking or lip biting, they’re trying to soothe themselves amid awkward situations.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Latest Posts

  • Two people sitting on a sofa in a quiet, sunlit living room, showing a moment of supportive connection and listening. 9 Things You Should NEVER Say to Someone With Anxiety
  • A tense, high-contrast conversation between two people in a minimalist setting. 5 Body Language Secrets That Reveal Someone Is Lying to You
  • A woman sitting thoughtfully by a window in a soft-lit, modern living room. 8 Signs You Were Raised by an Emotionally Unavailable Parent
  • Surreal illustration of a person looking into a mirror that reflects a golden labyrinth, symbolizing internal complexity. The 6 Most Dangerous Lies We Tell Ourselves Every Day
  • A woman in a peaceful, sunlit room embodying emotional clarity and calm. 10 Things Emotionally Intelligent People NEVER Do
  • A sophisticated woman in her 60s looking out a window in a bright, modern home. 7 Habits That Secretly Destroy Your Mental Health After 60
  • A woman looking distressed and thoughtful during a difficult conversation with a partner in a modern kitchen. 9 Manipulative Phrases Toxic People Use Without You Realizing
  • An adult daughter comforting her elderly father by a sunlit window. 5 Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Most People Ignore
  • A person balancing on a thin, fraying shadow thread over a dark blue background. 8 Things Narcissists Say to Keep You Under Control
  • A couple standing far apart in a dimly lit, modern living room, looking away from each other. 6 Silent Signs Your Marriage Is Slowly Falling Apart

Newsletter

Get the latest posts delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

grandparents

Top 9 Worst Mistakes Grandparents Make Without Realizing

3. Don’t force educational options Education is a complex topic, and many times parents and…

Read More →
lies

The 5 Worst Lies You Can Tell Your Therapist (And Why They Matter)

The most common lies people tell their therapist. To set things straight from the beginning,…

Read More →
signs of hidden trauma

6 Signs of Hidden Trauma You Might Miss

All of us should be aware of these signs of hidden trauma! Studies reveal that…

Read More →
comforting

Comforting Someone? These 6 Phrases Could Make It Worse

Never do these when comforting someone! Let’s say a friend is going through a tough…

Read More →
Divorce

Divorce: 12 Simple Reasons People Call It Quits

I think we’ve established already that break-ups are very hard, but what about divorce? Well,…

Read More →
Woman reading in a peaceful living room.

A Guide to Maintaining Mental Fitness and Brain Health After 60

Active Cognitive Engagement: The “Use It or Lose It” Principle in Practice Once the foundational…

Read More →

Your In-Laws Might Cause You These 9 Common Troubles

You have to consider your in-laws too when you are getting married! When you decide…

Read More →
nightmares

Tired of Nightmares? 4 Strategies for Restful Sleep

Are you struggling with nightmares? Scary dreams, also known as nightmares, are anxiety-inducing, and most…

Read More →
negotiation skills

9 Negotiation Skills to Get What You Want

Let’s talk about negotiation skills! From agreeing to your start date to signing off on…

Read More →

Psychology Diary

The First Step Toward Change Is Awareness

Inedit Agency S.R.L.
Bucharest, Romania

contact@psychologydiary.com

Explore

  • About Us
  • Advertiser Disclosure
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Do not sell my personal information
  • Editorial Policy
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Subscribe
  • Unsubscribe

Categories

  • Expert Tips
  • Family
  • Life
  • Marriage
  • Mental Health

© 2026 Psychology Diary. All rights reserved.