Do you think you’re being really subtle when you fancy someone, and that they’re oblivious to the way you really feel?
Well, think again. You’re actually giving off a range of subtle signals, according to a new study by journal Psychological Bulletin.
The research claims to be ‘the most comprehensive analysis ever’ on the subtle verbal and non-verbal cues we give off when we’re attracted to someone.
It analysed data from 50 countries, and took into account cultural differences.
They found that specific actions such as eye contact, smiling, laughter, and initiating conversation were associated with attraction across most world cultures. In the West, head nodding and mimicking behaviours were also indicators of flirtation.
University of Dayton associate professor of psychology R. Matthew Montoya explained his research:
There is a specific suite of behaviors associated with liking, and this same set of behaviors can be found in cultures from around the world.
He continued, in a statement:
When we like someone, we act in ways to get them to trust us. From this perspective, we engage in these behaviors to increase the degree of overlap, interdependence, and commitment to an agreement.
He also explained how the findings supercede the world of dating, and can be applied to friendships and professional relationships:
Whether we engage in these behaviors has little or nothing to do with romantic desires. These behaviors apply when doctors interact with their patients, parents interact with their kids, or when salespeople talk to their customers.
The study also put to bed some common myths regards flirting. They found no evidence of a link between attraction and hair flicking, eyebrow raising, clothes primping, open body posture or leaning in. Yes, no surprises that the stereotype of a girl flicking her hair to get attention isn’t based in fact.
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