Let's Get Physical
Words can only get you so far—after all, actions speak much louder. Reading body language is key to winning this little game called love. So next time you're fumbling through a first or fourth date, here are a few hints to help you out.
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1. Maintaining Eye Contact
If your partner maintains eye contact throughout the date, this means they're truly interested in what you have to say. After all, what's more romantic than being unable to take their eyes off you? Just be careful not to confuse a creepy stare for subtle intrigue.
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2. Feet Direction
This is an oldie but a goodie. The next time you're sitting across your beau at the coffee shop, peek under the table to see which way their feet are pointing. If they're pointing towards you, it indicates full body engagement and deep interest.
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3. Looking at Lips
Breaking eye contact to glance down at lips is a key indicator of romantic feelings. It means they're attracted to you physically, in addition to all your other wonderful traits. You can only imagine what they're thinking about!
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4. A Softer Tone
When talking to people you like, you often take on a softer tone without even realizing it. Interestingly enough, women are known to subconsciously change the pitch of their voice when talking to those they're attracted to. Of course, this can go both ways.
5. Mirroring
If you take a sip of your drink, and a second later they take a sip of theirs—it means they're mirroring your body language. They probably don't even realize they're doing this. It extends to mirroring your posture, smiling when you smile, and matching your head movements, and it means they are deeply invested in you.
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6. Holding the Door
Body language aside, if your partner is respectful and thoughtful enough to hold the door for you, it means they care about the little things. While some find this tradition to be outdated—when cemented in good intentions, it can be a beautiful way to show your date—no matter their gender—how much you care.
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7. Playing with Hair
While women are often called out for twirling their hair to show interest, it applies to any gender. Playing with your hair, whether brushing it back or tugging on the strands indicates the person is concerned about their appearance. They want to present the best version of themselves to you—probably because they like you.
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8. Parting Lips
Slightly parted lips mean the other person is feeling relaxed in your presence. This is often a good indicator of attraction and romantic interest during a date. Alternatively, keep an eye out for tightly sealed lips—as that means the person is feeling pretty annoyed.
9. Leaning In
When you're interested in someone, you want to lean in as close as you can. If you find yourself speaking at a reasonable volume, yet your date gets closer and closer, it means they're likely attracted to you. With that in mind, be sure to wear some perfume or cologne to keep them leaning in for more.
10. Open Posture
An open posture in any context reflects a person's openness to interact. On a date, this means the other person is receptive to whatever you have to say. Alternatively, slouching or crossed arms likely means the person is not interested in conversation.
11. Showing Teeth
Showing teeth has a variety of meanings in the animal kingdom. Similarly, it is varied in humans. However, on a date, if the atmosphere is relaxed and the other person shows teeth, it means they are comfortable being vulnerable with you.
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12. Offering to Help
This is another action that speaks loud and clear. Offering to hold your bag or carry your drink means the person cares about you and is trying to be of service. Just be sure to return the favor!
13. Raising Eyebrows
A simple raise of the eyebrows can have multiple meanings—and in the context of dating, they’re worth keeping an eye out for. For instance, an eyebrow raised indicates flirting, agreement, and attraction. When you see someone you're attracted to, your own eyebrows may raise and fall without you even realizing it.
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14. Laughter
Laughter is the best medicine, and it's also a sign of affection. Whether they fake laugh at your jokes or release an honest giggle—the meaning remains the same—they want to make you feel good. Laughter indicates approval, and it means the person is having a good time.
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15. Fidgeting
You may think fidgeting means the person is nervous or anxious, but in reality, it could mean they like you. Fidgeting with one's hair, clothes, or drink means they are self-conscious about the way you see them, and they want you to like what they see. The next time someone's fidgeting, take it as a compliment.
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16. Holding Hands
If your date includes walking, keep an eye on the person's hands. If they slip their fingers between yours, it means they feel comfortable and happy in your presence. Holding hands is like announcing your relationship to the world.
17. Warm Smile
There are many kinds of smiles, but a warm smile stands out from the crowd. Characterized by soft eyes and a slow stretch of the lips—a warm smile means the other person has all the fuzzy feelings about you.
18. Slow Blinking
Rapid blinking can indicate anxiousness, anger, or discomfort. But on the other hand, slow blinks mean the person is comfortable in your presence. Here's a fun fact: cats slowly blink at humans to say I love you.
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19. Palms Up
Another body part to keep your eyes on is the hands. Are they closed into fists? Tucked into pockets? Well, if you find the hands are open and palms are facing upwards or to the side—then that means the person is feeling open and engaged around you.
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20. Tilting Head
Have you ever stared across the table at someone and ever so slowly they tilted their head to the side as they smiled? There's something about that gesture that feels so vulnerable and romantic—and you would be right to think so. A gentle tilt of the head is a clear sign that your date is thinking about a second one.
