What Every BODY Is Saying_Navarro, Joe & Karlins, Marvin

GETTING A LEG UP ON BODY LANGUAGE 81

out. The foot freeze is another example of a limbic-controlled response, the
tendency of an individual to stop activity when faced with danger.

The Foot Lock and Leave

When an individual suddenly turns his toes inward or interlocks his feet,
it is a sign that he is insecure, anxious, and/or feels threatened. When
interviewing suspects in crimes, I often notice that they interlock their
feet and ankles when they are under stress. A lot of people, especially
women, have been taught to sit this way, especially when wearing a skirt
(see figure 28). However, to lock the ankles in this way, especially over a
prolonged period, is unnatural and should be considered suspect, partic-
ularly when done by males.

A sudden interlocking of the legs may suggest discom-

fort or insecurity. When people are comfortable, they

tend to unlock their ankles.

Fig. 28