Reading body language can be a powerful tool in understanding and communicating with others. Here are some key insights and tips from Redditors on how to read body language in conversations:

General Tips

• Subconscious Signals: Body language is often subconscious, making it a reliable indicator of someone's true feelings. "Most people do this intuitively, to some degree."

• Context is Key: Always consider the context and combine body language cues with verbal communication to get a complete picture. "Key thing to remember in reading others is that gestures shouldn't be interpreted individually but in groups."

• Practice and Patience: Body language reading is a skill that improves with practice. "Baby steps :) You're not expected to be an expert right away."

Specific Cues to Look For

Eye Contact

• Direct Eye Contact: Indicates engagement and honesty. "If they're looking directly at you, they're listening clearly and stuff."

• Avoiding Eye Contact: Can suggest nervousness, dishonesty, or lack of interest. "Looking away could imply they're lying or just simply not bothered."

Facial Expressions

• Micro-Expressions: Quick, subtle facial movements that can reveal true emotions. "Don't forget to pay attention to facial expressions and facial muscle movements as well."

• Fake Smiles: Often lack the crinkling around the eyes that accompanies a genuine smile. "Stop telling people how to read fake smiles damnit"

Arm and Hand Gestures

• Crossed Arms: Can indicate a defensive or closed-off stance. "Folded arms, they most likely are somewhat holding themselves back from expressing themselves."

• Open Palms: Suggest honesty and openness. "Protecting chest/stomach (arms crossed, grabbing one wrist) means they are uncomfortable w/ the situation."

Body Posture

• Leaning Forward: Shows interest and engagement. "Leaning forward (Interested)"

• Leaning Back: Can indicate disinterest or boredom. "Leaning back (uninterested)"

Foot Direction

• Feet Facing You: Suggests interest in the conversation. "Feet: Facing towards you means they're interested."

• Feet Facing Away: May indicate a desire to end the conversation. "Facing away or sideways of you means they kinda want to get out of the convo."

Additional Tips

• Mirroring: If someone mirrors your body language, it can be a sign of attraction or rapport. "Watch who mirrors who's body language/speech, this is a sign of attraction"

• Consent and Comfort: Use body language to gauge if someone is comfortable and enthusiastic, especially in social and romantic settings. "Consent needs to be ENTHUSIASTIC, for it to be real consent."

Subreddits for Further Learning

• r/socialskills

• r/bodylanguage

• r/AskMenOver30

By paying attention to these cues and practicing regularly, you can become more adept at reading body language and improving your communication skills.