10 Ways A Man's Body Language Changes When He's Authentically Interested
A guy's body won't lie.
gonzagon | Shutterstock You met someone great. You're wondering if he's feeling the same, but you're afraid to ask. It might be too soon. You don't want to lose your cool or seem desperate.
Here's the good news: you can get the answer without asking. That's right, it's all in his body, body language, that is.
Instead of popping the awkward question, "Dude, are you into me?" you can watch his torso, hands, and other body parts to see if he's totally down to be with you, or not.
Trust me, the body never lies. Unless of course, someone is under severe stress. In that case, it wouldn't be a great time to start a relationship. Stress ruins performance, anyway.
Here are 10 ways a man's body language changes when he's authentically interested
1. His torso faces you
If he's talking to you and his upper body is squarely facing you, you might just be "his type of woman." If he's talking to you with his torso faced away from you, it's probably a "just friends situation."
Think of it this way: in the wild, do you think an animal looking to mate would have approached another animal sideways? I hate to be so basic but he will turn toward you if he's looking to go in for the kill.
2. He plays with his hair
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Ladies like to twirl their hair when they're feeling particularly anxious or ready to get serious. Men aren't much different. If he's running his hands through his hair (unless he's bald of course, or perhaps, in that case, rubbing his head) and facing you, he may be thinking about getting serious.
3. He puffs his chest out
In the wild, a chest out with pride certainly assumes a sense of confidence.
Dating coach J. Cameron Gantt elaborated, "We all can agree that confidence is a trait that is highly attractive when looking for a mate. There is just something about confident people that puts your mind at ease and makes it easier to engage with them. While we try not to judge a book by its cover, sometimes it's all we have to go on. The way that a person walks, talks, and moves can speak volumes to their character and ultimately be a deciding factor in whether or not you choose to approach them."
The XY being isn't much different. If his chest is out with pride, he's trying to show off his "metaphorical feathers," or maybe he's a raging narcissist. Let's hope for the former and not the latter.
4. He touches your back
Isn't it the best when a man tenderly caresses your lower back? Research in Personality and Social Psychology Review, suggested when he's trying to touch you in that spot — either to lead you, walk with you, or just get close — he really likes you.
5. He touches your thigh
I should hope before he does this there's some sort of respect in the mix, but if he touches your thigh, he's dying to get much closer to you than you realize.
6. He licks his lips
Unless he's desperate for lip balm and it's the middle of winter, licking lips can be a sign of anxiety or total attraction. Or hunger. Be still, it's most likely for you.
7. He maintains eye contact
Eye contact is the most basic way he's saying you matter to him, as described by the American Psychological Association. While some men, if on the autism spectrum or shy, may avoid contact, most guys who are attracted to a woman lock eyes.
8. He leans in
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He can hear you, trust me. If he leans in, it's because he wants to smell you and get closer in an appropriate but tangible way.
9. He grazes any part of you
It's not an accident. A graze is intentional. It's a test. And, of course, if he holds or rubs your hand, research in Psychological Science Journal suggested you're in. You're golden.
10. He touches your hair
If you're melting when he touches your hair, he's definitely into you. Just be careful he doesn't pull it. Grade school antics are early childhood-era nonsense unless it's in the bedroom.
Laura Lifshitz writes about divorce, relationships, parenting, and marriage for YourTango, The New York Times, Women’s Health, Working Mother, and Pop Sugar.