How the Sexes Communicate With Body Language Differently

Body language is no longer just a catchy tune by singer/songwriter Kid Ink. In fact, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines body language as, “the gestures, movements, and mannerisms by which a person or animal communicates with others.” Scientists are now making observations that allow humans to decipher these built in messages that began forming long ago. Despite the obvious similarities that you might share between you and your partner, such as taste in music or decor, there are various key differences in the way that the sexes communicate nonverbally, or, through body language.

The first difference appears before the conversation even begins and is assumed to be a result of thousands of years of primal instincts. The way the sexes approach each other differ before communicating verbally gives insight into their unintentional nonverbal messages. For the most part, women prefer not to be approached from behind. This is believed to have stemmed from an issue of protection, and she is far more likely to respond positively to you when she can see you approaching. They are more likely to respond better when approached from the front, because she is not sensing any danger. So, if you’re looking to make a connection with her, approach her from the front. Men, however, are designed to detect aggression if approached from the front, so approaching them from the side or at an angle would be the best choice. When you acknowledge the wiring of our brains as a result of centuries of survival and use it to your advantage, it will be easier for you to make connections.

The next example of differing body language types is the use of facial expressions while speaking. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “The expressions we see in the faces of others engage a number of different cognitive processes. Emotional expressions elicit rapid responses, which often imitate the emotion in the observed face. These effects can even occur for faces presented in such a way that the observer is not aware of them.” So, whether we recognize it or not, we are always sending messages to those we are speaking to. Men and women differ in this by how and when their bodies send these messages through their facial expressions. Men have been found to not use joyful facial expressions as commonly as women, making them seem more serious or stern in their mannerisms. Women, however, tend to make joyful facial expressions as a result of subconscious teachings rather than out of emotion. From a young age, women are encouraged to get along and appease others in order to save a “ladylike” image. This presents itself in their adulthood as a smile that never seems to fade.

One last example of this is relatively difficult to define. Men and women use touch for various, but ultimately distinctive reasons. In general, touch can be used to build connection and inspire intimacy among friends, partners, and family, but the sexes have a subconscious tendency to relay singular messages through the use of touch. More often than not, men use touch signals to display power and establish dominance. Scienceofpeople.com reported, “Men (even subconsciously) will pat someone on the back to show dominance or place a hand on a shoulder to show superiority or control.” While women can also display dominance through touch on rarer occasions, they mostly use touch to establish friendships, show support, and make emotional connections from one person to another. For example, women are more likely to reach out and touch one’s arm to display empathy or responsiveness.

Understanding the fundamental differences between male and female nonverbal communication is key to unlocking new connections within co-ed conversations. By observing the signs and nonverbal cues, you can delve into deeper discussions without worrying about perplexing body language.