The Definitive Book of Body Language

The Definitive Book of Body Language

position and the hands serve as central indicators, highlighting

the crotch. Men use this gesture to stake their territory or to

show other men that they are unafraid. Apes use the same

gesture, but without a belt or trousers.

This gesture tells others, 'I am virile -1 can dominate' which

is why it's a regular for men on the prowl. Any man talking to

a woman while he's standing like this - with dilated pupils and

one foot pointing towards her — is easily read by most women.

It's one of the gestures that gives the game away for most men,

as they unwittingly declare to her what's on their mind.

The sexually assertive female

This gesture is principally used by men, but women wearing
jeans and trousers can occasionally be seen doing it too. When
wearing dresses or skirts, the sexually assertive female displays
one or both thumbs tucked into a belt or pocket.

Sizing Up the Competition

The next illustration shows two men sizing each other up,
using the characteristic Hands-on-Hips and Tbumbs-in-Belt
gestures. Considering that they are both turned at an angle
away from each other and the lower halves of their bodies
appear relaxed, it's reasonable to assume that they are uncon-
sciously evaluating each other and that confrontation is
unlikely.