It’s not just what people say or do that tells you how they feel about you, but their body language can also give you major clues into where they’re at, according to Verywell Mind. While it’s common knowledge that someone who crosses their arms in front of you is trying to block you out, there are other signs that someone doesn’t like you. Here are 12 subtle body-language signs to note the next time you’re speaking to someone whose vibe is off.
1. They barely look at you.
Although not making eye contact usually means that the person lacks confidence, it can also happen if they dislike you. They don’t want to look into your eyes and make a connection with you. They might look around the room so they don’t have to make eye contact at all. Yup, they want to be left alone. Ouch.
2. They lean away.
Someone who doesn’t like you won’t want to be in your personal space. If you accidentally touch them, they’ll flinch as though they’ve scorched themselves on a hot stove. They’ll keep their feet turned away from you and perhaps their entire body will also be leaning away so they’re not facing you. It looks like they’re trying to get ready to make a run for it!
3. They frown a lot.
You haven’t said anything in a foreign language or given them a complicated math problem to solve, and yet they’re still frowning at you during conversation. This can be a sign of hostility – ouch – or they’re trying to put you off talking to them. It’s tough to try to have a chat with someone who’s looking at you like you’re nuts. Gross.
4. They don’t nod when you’re speaking.
When someone’s talking, you might nod at intervals during their story to show them that you’re listening and digesting what they have to say. Someone who doesn’t like you will avoid nodding because they’re not invested in the conversation. They’re not going to make any effort to make you feel heard or validated.
5. Their eyes start glazing over.
Another clear sign someone doesn’t like you? Their eyes glaze over as though they’re bored. They’ll do this during conversation to show you that they don’t care about what you have to say. They’re totally tuning you out, and it’s so insulting. They’re not bored with you per se, but they want you to think they’re bored because they don’t like you. Ugh.
6. Their pupils dilate.
When someone likes you, their pupils tend to dilate. But this isn’t the only time it happens. It can also happen when someone is feeling anger or fear. Yikes. So, if the person’s pupils are dilating and your gut is telling you that something’s “off” with them, it could be a sign that they don’t like you.
7. They keep their feet fixed on the ground.
Although you might look at a person’s face for clues when chatting to them, you should also look at their feet! If they are keeping their feet fixed to the ground, this is a sign that they’re trying to remain balanced and secure during the awkward situation. And if they’re pointed away? According to Business Insider, that’s a sign they’re not interested in the conversation.
8. Their body language doesn’t mirror yours.
You can tell when you’re in sync with and connected to someone by watching their body language and how it mirrors your body language. If you’re both displaying signs such as making eye contact or facing each other, that’s a good sign that you’re both happy and relaxed. If the person’s body language doesn’t match yours, they’re not keen to connect.
9. They touch their face or hair.
When someone fidgets, that’s a clear sign they’re nervous or anxious. But, they might also do this if they’re not feeling relaxed around you. It’s like they’re itching to leave the conversation and get out! So, they might touch their hair or face as a way of showing their discomfort.
10. They purse their lips.
The person who’s chatting to you might smile during conversation or when they find themselves next to you at a party, but their smile could look forced and they’re likely to be pursing their lips. Their body is tense and stiff, so they’re not feeling chilled around you. They clearly have beef.
11. They hide behind their stuff.
Have you ever spoken to someone who’s holding their bag or some other item in front of them? Or, they’re placing items on the table between you, like a salt shaker or their cell phone? It’s almost like they’re trying to create a barrier because they want to maintain some distance between you.
12. They scrunch up their nose.
Although this might sound weird, if someone doesn’t like you they might scrunch up their nose a bit. It’s a facial expression of disgust, and it can be hurtful to be on the receiving end of so much vitriol! They’re making you think you give them the ick. Why even try to connect to this person? Move on!
