7 Social Hacks: Body Language

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One of the most interesting topics I've ever explored is Body Language or Non-verbal communication. This is anything that you do with your body that sends messages to people. A lot of these are learned through society, but some are biology (see number 5). Some of these are found in and article called PsychTronics: 7 Social Hacks For Manipulating People. Others I've learned in some of my classes for my communications major. Without further or due, here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks to the secret world of body language.

1. Look at the feet and knees. Your feet and knees are the things that you use in order to "point" to the things that you are actively engaged in. So when you are talking to someone, and you're having an intense conversation, look at the ways that your feet and knees are, and you'll notice that your feet or knees, and their feet or knees are actually pointing at you! This then makes it easier to see if someone is engaged when you're on a date, or trying to talk about a serious issue with your partner. If their feet or knees are pointed away from you, they probably are not engaged and not particularly listening to you. 
2. If someone is angry, stand to their side, not their front. This is especially potent when you are engaged with a male. When you stand to their side, you are literally putting yourself on "their side", and they will feel like you understand, and will calm down more easily. 
3. If you want someone to agree with you, nod while you talk. This means that if you are nodding, they will start nodding along with you, and it subconsciously will make them more agreeable. 
4. Look at their eyes. People show the most emotion with their eyes. If they have a crinkle next to their eye and their eyes close a little bit, they are truly smiling and happy. If they don't smile with their eyes, then they are faking it. 
5. When someone is sexually interested in you, their pupils dilate and their lips actually get a little plumper. Very true. Although I wouldn't recommend staring intensely at someone's eyes to see if they are dilated, it is a little easier to see if their lips getting a little more plump and ready for a kiss. 
6. If someone doesn't like you, ask to borrow a pencil. Asking such a small favor that they'll most likely comply with actually makes them like you more. 
7. If someone is lying, people usually use too many details, and they will avoid looking you in the eye. That doesn't mean you say "Look me in the eye and tell me that," because you're giving them the opportunity to trick you. I can stare and anyone and not blink while saying "Yes, that shirt makes you look really manly."