Closed Posture Makes You Less Attractive, Study Finds
Everyone strives to be their most confident and attractive self. Of course, there are many factors that contribute to this. Maybe you feel like you can take on the world after a great haircut or a fresh manicure. Or, you’re in top form after a long bike ride or a weightlifting session. However, if there’s one thing that can help anyone look and feel their best, it’s good posture. (Bonus: It may also help you avoid back pain.) Read on to find out which standing posture can make you less attractive, according to a study.
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You already know sag is bad. But did you know it could make you less attractive? A study 2016 from Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that when people in quick dates used an expansive posture, their partners were more likely to want to see them again compared to those in contract positions.
An expansive and open posture has been defined as having spread limbs and a stretched torso that expands a person’s space. A contracted and closed posture has been described as collapsing the limbs and body inward to occupy a smaller amount of space.
“For each unit of increase in expansion on the scale, this person was 76% more likely to get a ‘yes’ response from their speed-dating partner,” study author Tanya Vacharkulksemsuk Recount medical information service Medical XPress. Doing the simple adjustment from closed to open could make you more effective in the dating game.
Crossing your arms is another position to avoid. “When your arms are crossed, it’s a closed body language signal,” explains Karen Donaldsoncommunication with celebrities, body language and trust coach. “It can signal different things, including disinterest, tension, coldness, unwillingness to listen, and social anxiety.”
Of course, there is a time and a place to sit back. For example, if you’re expecting a friend at a restaurant and aren’t open to communicating with strangers, it might be a good idea to fold your arms to avoid unwanted “hellos.”
When we feel anxious or stressed, many of us tend to do certain things with our bodies, such as repeatedly touching our face or neck. However, these anxious ticks can make us less approachable. This is called a move gesture. “It’s a signal that you’re feeling nervous, anxious, or scared,” Donaldson says.
You will also want to consider your eye contact and the position of your hands. Avoid keeping your eyes on the ground and putting your hands in your pockets. “This body language has mixed meanings,” says Donaldson. “Most of the time we hide our hands when we feel uncomfortable, it is a gesture of self-soothing. It can also signal that we are hiding something and that we are not being frank with others. .”
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Luckily, there are simple ways to revamp your posture to look more attractive and confident. First, stand with your feet slightly less than shoulder width apart, says Jodi R.R. Smithhuman resources professional, etiquette consultant and founder of etiquette consulting service Mannersmith etiquette consultancy. Then, rest your arms at your sides. “Holding a drink in your left hand makes it easy for you to maintain this pose,” Smith says.
Keep your shoulders rolled back and down and your chin parallel to the floor. The final touch? Smile when you make eye contact with others. “This open body position signals that you’re comfortable, confident, and ready to interact,” she adds.
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