The Definitive Book of Body Language

The Definitive Book of Body Language

also paying less attention to what's being said. It's for this

reason that training centres should have chairs with arms to

allow the attendees to leave their arms uncrossed.

Yes...But I'm Just 'Comfortable'

Some people claim that they habitually cross their arms
because it's comfortable. Any gesture will feel comfortable
when you have the corresponding attitude; that is, if you have
a negative, defensive or nervous attitude, folded arms will feel
comfortable. If you're having fun with your friends, folded
arms will feel wrong.
Remember that with all body language, the meaning of the
message is also in the receiver, as well as the sender. You may feel
'comfortable' with your arms crossed and your back and neck
stiffened, but studies have shown that others' reactions to these
gestures is negative. So the lesson here is clear - avoid crossing
your arms under any circumstances unless your intention is to
show others you don't agree or don't want to participate.

You may feel arm-crossing is simply comfortable

but others will think you're not approachable.

Gender Differences

Men's arms rotate slightly inwards while women's arms rotate
slightly outwards. These rotation differences have enabled men
to aim and throw more accurately, while women's splayed
elbows give them a wider, more stable position for carrying
babies. One interesting difference is that women tend to keep
their arms more open when they are around men they find
attractive and are likely to fold their arms across their breasts
around aggressive or unattractive men.