Decoding body LANGUAGE

How to spot the telltale signs that speak volumes!

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While people often pay close attention to the words they use, subtle body language clues can give the game away. These hidden giveaways reveal what people aren't saying!

Someone likes you

If someone likes you, they'll use friendly, open body language such as smiling, making consistent eye contact, keeping their arms by their side and leaning forward when speaking. Smiling is a clear sign of attraction, even if subtle. To spot a fake smile, look for the absence of crow's feet or visible bottom teeth. A true smile will usually result in semi-closed eyes and some exposed top teeth.

People will also try to close the distance between you and them. "You may find they start mirroring your body movements and breathing rate," says counselling psychotherapist Karen Phillip. "This is called match and mirror." When used appropriately, this technique can help to create a positive rapport between two people.

Someone is anxious

Anxiety can't be identified by a single gesture - multiple signs are needed. Some red flags to watch for include persistent fingernail-biting, fidgeting, tapping, sweating and whistling. Shoulders may also appear slouched, which is a sign of stress, and someone may struggle finding the right words to say, which can result in avoiding interactions altogether.

When trying to make sense of other people's behaviour, psychologist Clare Mann says there are four categories of emotions to remember: glad, sad, bad and mad.