For those who know how to notice, body language sometimes says much more than words. Professionals can quickly tell when a person is lying, feeling depressed, or relaxed. Here are 5 Negative Body Language Signs to never ignore from your partner and some tips to help you read your other half’s body signs.
1Turn away from you.
According to Beth Ribarsky, a University of Illinois Springfield professor, one of the most important things to pay attention to is how your partner holds their body concerning you.
She advises you to pay attention to whether your partner is looking at you or leaning towards you when you sit next to them. This body posture signals interest in you and affection.
On the other hand, it’s a red flag if he turns away from you, especially when you’re sitting next to each other. It’s a clear physical sign that he’s pushing you away, says Ribarsky. This is a sign that something is troubling or unsatisfactory in the relationship.
2Lowering his shoulders.
Gina Marie Guarino, a licensed mental health counselor, says you should also pay attention to visual signs that your partner is shutting down. She says this is usually indicated by body language when the shoulders and head are lowered, and the body is turned inwards. This body posture indicates that your partner feels insecure, hurt, and withdrawn. This usually happens when your partner feels disappointed, unappreciated, misunderstood, or unheard.
These uncomfortable moments are inevitable in any relationship. Still, the more your partner feels unheard and unappreciated, the harder it will be for them to stay engaged and invested in the relationship.
3Square the jaw.
You can check your partner’s chin during conversations. “If he squares his jaw, it’s a sign that he’s about to lie,” says relationship expert and founder of Unfinished Man Chad Barnsdale. He says lying is never a good sign in a relationship, but it’s essential to find out why your other half has chosen not to tell the truth.
Understanding that people lie in relationships because they are afraid to tell the truth, or because they no longer trust you is essential.
4He crosses his arms.
Crossed arms are a sign that can express different inner states. But if one of the partners in a couple frequently crosses their arms, this is a sign of discomfort in communication.
Becky Stempfig, a couple’s therapist, says that your partner may cross their arms over their chest when they feel defensive. For example, it could be unspoken anger your partner feels for some reason.
But Ellie Borden, a psychotherapist who focuses on relationships and dating, warns that crossed arms don’t always indicate hostility. Instead, your partner may be upset. In conventional psychology, crossed arms are like hugging oneself. It is an unconscious attempt to comfort ourselves when we feel bad or overwhelmed.
5He rolls his eyes.
Pay attention if your partner rolls their eyes at you, and it doesn’t seem like a playful gesture. According to Ellie Borden, eye-rolling is one of the most common expressions of contempt.
It should be noted that John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, says that the most critical factor in divorce or break-up is contempt.
Ellie Borden advises you to address the situation as soon as possible if you notice your other half rolling their eyes.
Body language is an indicator.
Body language indicates that something is wrong in the couple’s relationship. As you know, the best thing to do in such situations is to talk openly. So ask your partner what’s on their mind and what’s troubling them. Ignoring the signals that something is wrong in your relationship will gradually lead to estrangement and alienation.
