The world of dating is filled with subtlety – a bit too much subtlety for most of us, to be honest. It’s not just about recognizing certain words and phrases – even gestures can carry hidden meanings, each of which could indicate that either your date is totally into you or that they’re bored to death. Learning to detect all these dating body language signs can be tough, so instead of trying to do all the reading yourself, why not send some of your own signals instead?
First dates can be nerve racking enough without having to worry about being too coy. If you’re particularly interested in a potential partner, send them positive signals with one of these moves:
7 Dating Body Language Signals That Show Your Interest
1. Smile
One of the most powerful dating body language signals is also one of the most simple: a smile. A smile says a lot about you, and it’s such a simple gesture. It communicates positivity and happiness, which will give your partner good vibes. Smile as often as you can without overly forcing it. If you’re someone who has a bit of a perma-scowl without meaning to, try to pay attention to your facial expression during the date.
2. Make Eye Contact
Don’t hold your eye contact so long that it’s creepy, but do make eye contact whenever the other person is speaking to you. It shows you’re paying attention and helps build an initial bond. Avoid getting distracted by things going on around you, especially if the person is sharing something important. You can always start by asking them the most important first date questions.
3. Give Compliments
Incorporate both dating body language and spoken language by pointing out something great about your date and smiling with eye contact while you do. The more specific your compliments are, the better. Instead of saying, “You look nice,” comment on something specific that feels more unique to your date and their personality. It can be about a specific articles of clothing, a comment on their charming personality or a note about the cute idiosyncrasies of his or her behavior.
4. Use Physical Touch
A simple touch can convey a sense of intimacy without being invasive. A light touch on the shoulder or the hand during a moment of conversation can send great vibes to the other person. Closeness offers the same benefits; if you lean in during conversation or share an armrest during a movie, it shows that you want to create first date intimacy rather than distance. This shows your partner that you are seeking shared values in the relationship.
5. Ask Lots Of Questions
People love to talk about themselves. Asking your partner lots of questions keeps the conversation going and indicates that you want your date to continue rather than be cut short. Plus, it shows a genuine interest in the person you’re with, which is essential to creating a connection between the two of you. Employ dating body language while you do this – lean slightly towards them, as if they are the most fascinating person in the room.
6. Share Personal Information
You absolutely shouldn’t feel obligated to spill your secrets when you’re just getting to know someone. However, keeping everything locked inside makes you seem distant and closed off to new relationships. So while asking questions is important, as mentioned above, you also need to answer questions honestly in order to show that you’re interested. When starting on your first date journey its always good to have the best first date advice anyone could give you, and that’s not taking a first date too seriously. Again, you can reinforce this with some subtle body language. When you open up, for instance, you can make sure that there’s nothing on the table between you. Move your coffee cup to the side, put that handbag on the floor, symbolize that you are truly ready to be open.
7. Put Your Phone Away
This modern form of dating body language is one of the best ways to show your date that you want to spend quality time together. Phones are constantly distracting us from the moment at hand, so be sure to keep yours out of sight and out of mind. If you need it out for some reason, like in case the babysitter needs to get in touch, make it clear that you only have your phone out for that purpose.
Even if your partner isn’t especially attuned to body language or subtle signals, these gestures should let them know you’re interested. Of course, you could always forgo the subtle route and just tell him or her how you feel, but where’s the fun in that?
You might also be interested in: 10 (Really) Good First Date Questions To Ask A Girl Or Guy
