Understanding whether someone likes us or not is certainly an art, an often innate ability that allows us to be ahead of the reality of the situation, but also a real science. In fact, body language reveals clear signals, which can express interest or disinterest: let’s find out how to interpret them.
Sometimes we wonder what a particular person really thinks of us, a very recurring situation especially with new acquaintances. Liking someone or not is a complex dynamic, full of facets, but psychology provides some useful tools to decipher it. You don’t need to become an expert, you just need to observe the right signals, because the body (almost) never lies.
When the eyes speak
Eye contact is a considerable, almost telling indicator. A person who likes us will tend to look us in the eyes, to create a deeper bond. On the contrary, if he avoids our gaze, he may want to maintain the right emotional distance. A small but significant gesture, which often represents the first sign of disinterest (not to be confused with genuine shyness, but this is up to us to establish).
The body takes position
Have you ever noticed how someone’s body orients itself during a conversation? If a person turns his torso or feet slightly towards an exit, he is unconsciously looking for an escape route. It’s a subtle, but unmistakable way of showing that he would rather be somewhere else.
Even crossed arms tell a lot: they can indicate a need for protection, or a desire for distance. If you add to this the use of objects as barriers – a bag held in front of your chest, or a cell phone clutched in your hands – it is clear that the other person wants to maintain certain spaces between you.
The lips tell
Another signal not to be underestimated is the movement of the lips. Pressing your lips, an almost imperceptible gesture, can reveal irritation and discomfort. You don’t need to be an investigator to notice this: you just need to train yourself to observe these details and put them in the right context.
The step back
Physical distance is another unmistakable message. A person who withdraws or maintains an excessive distance may feel uncomfortable or simply not interested. It’s not about malice, but about a natural need to delimit your personal space.
Expressions that don’t lie
Facial expressions are a faithful mirror of emotions. A sincere smile lights up a face, while static and cold expressions suggest detachment. The lack of enthusiasm is immediately noticeable: the face says everything that words don’t, so it must be observed carefully.
An art to be honed
Learning to read these signals not only helps us understand others, but also allows us to improve our interactions. Making yourself appreciated, for example, is simpler than you think: calling someone by name, really listening to them and showing empathy are gestures that can easily create real, genuine connections.
Ultimately, liking or not liking someone is never an exact science, even if by observing body language, we can obtain answers that words sometimes hide. And who knows, maybe we will discover that we don’t always have to please everyone.
