The way we carry ourselves, make gestures, head movements, etc., says a lot about us. Body language is a powerful mode of non-verbal communication. Here are some interesting facts about body language that you should know:
Body Language is Different in Every Culture
The concept of personal and privacy is different in different parts of the world. In Europe, men generally make little physical contact when they are speaking. However, in Southern Europe, the Middle East, and many parts of Asia, men tend to stand much closer while conversing and making some physical contact.
In countries like Africa and Japan, prolonged eye contact is considered rude. However, in the West, eye contact is considered to be a good communication skill that shows engagement in the conversation. Even showing a thumbs up has different meanings in different cultures.
Women are Better at Reading Body Language
Women tend to be much better at picking up on non-verbal communication than men. They also tend to mirror the movement of other women more than men do with other men. Men generally only ever mirror those women who they are deeply interested in.
The Power of a Smile
Did you know that there are 19 different types of smiles? These include a smirk, a flirty smile, a half-smile, a closed-lip smile, a fake smile, an authentic smile, a sleepy smile and more. The variations in smiles are fascinating, and reading a person’s smile is a great way to get to know the person’s emotional state and personality.
The Body-Mind Connection
Did you know that if you look at yourself in the mirror and smile when you are unhappy, you are likely to feel better? Science has proven that there is a strong connection between the body and mind. In fact, many ancient traditions like Yoga and Tai-Chi recognize the body and mind to be one integral unit.
This is why people notice that as they work on improving their body language, they find themselves becoming more cheerful and having a positive outlook on life. In fact, when men work on their body language to exhibit more power and authority, the testosterone levels in their body significantly increase while their cortisol tends to decrease.
When in Love
When people are in love with each other, they tend to mirror each other’s body movements and behavior patterns much more. When a couple in love pose for a picture, you will notice that their heads tend to lean towards each other.
Humans are Not So Different from Animals
The body language in human beings tends to exhibit the same tendencies as of those seen in the animal kingdom. Men can be territorial and dominating in the way they stand tall with their feet apart and occupy their space. You will notice that even those from royal families tend to carry themselves much differently to mark their distinction from the common folk.
In Conclusion
Body Language is undoubtedly an interesting subject to explore. Having some knowledge about body language can make you more emotionally intelligent and help you in your everyday interactions with people.