by Dr. G. A. Anderson

Created on: January 30, 2008

Understanding a Guy's Body Language: What Is He Really Saying?

How many times have you been unable to fall asleep at night, wondering what a guy meant by the strange, quirky little things he did when you saw him that day? It's frustrating, trying to figure it out. It could have meant this, it could have meant that, all of the above, or none of the above! To understand the male version of body language, there are things to look for.

Is he flirting?

We would probably like to think his every move and facial expression has a deeper meaning. He's really "into us," and is sending all sorts of messages he doesn't realize he's sending, or is trying to send and we're just not getting them. But think again. It may be he's not sending any messages at all. The first thing we have to remember is that the straightening of a tie may be just that because he's noticed it's hanging to the side. Puffing up his chest may really mean he has indigestion. It's better not to take for granted he's flirting with you.

However, if he seems to do these things often, maybe it's a good idea to look a little more closely and try to figure out what it all means. There are typical ways men interact with women when they're interested in getting to know them better.

Recognizing his non-verbal cues

Assuming you've been noticing things, but you don't have a clue, a little Body Language 101 is in order. These are the sub-conscious messages he sends that will give him away if you know what to look for.

1. Preening - Grooming and personal appearance plays a major part in the body language department. If a man seems to be fixing his hair, his tie, his collar, or any of his other clothing, he's preening. It seems to go back to the wild, when the alpha male of a species preens for the females. It's a way of suggesting he wants to look good for you.

2. The "alpha male" syndrome - Just like in the wild, the male of the human species wants to appear the strongest and most attractive of the group, or of the men you know. He is the dominant male, the leader of the group. He wants you to know this.

3. Dominance - He takes up more space when he interacts with you. He spreads out, stretches out his arms or his legs. He wants you to notice him. He wants to be seen as dominant. If he pulls in the gut, puffs up the chest, (see above,) or tries to stand taller, he's really trying to be seen as strong and attractive.

4. Eye contact - If he maintains steady eye contact, it's a pretty good sign he's reading you. He's holding

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