If you didn't get the title, that's a line from a Kylie Minogue song--Body Language. Get acquainted.
I was watching a couple on the train platform a couple of weeks ago. Partly because he kept stealing glances my way, and partly because their body language was so obvious. They barely said two words to each other. Her arms were crossed and her right foot was in front of her, pointing to the right. He stood on her left with hand in the pocket and feet pointed straight. Obviously they weren’t on the same page. I assume they either just had a fight that day or have been on the rocks for a while. Their feet weren’t even pointed in any sort of direction their significant other occupied and she had her body closed off by the crossed arms. Even people would aren’t aware of their surroundings can know when there’s a strain in the relationship. Or, really, our bodies and our subconscious know before we realize it. Changes in little patterns of behavior—a hug (or lack of hug), a look, an underlying anger that laces every sentence you speak to someone.
I like observing people. Actions tell so much more than words ever could. We used to have roof top parties on Goldie’s roof on E.66th street. There was a big building across the street with floor to ceiling windows—a goldmine for someone like me. I used to observe people there and it was easy since no one in New York City seems too concerned about the curtain situation. I’ve never lived in a building. I don’t have experience with masses of people residing in one structure. It’s fascination. I can watch people all day. I just don't like having to hear them partake in painfully boring intercourse...
Yesterday I was looking out the window waiting for my nails to dry and I noticed one of the girls who had just left was talking to some guy out front. So I decided to watch them since I had nothing else to do. It was obvious they both liked each other. I think it’s funny what you can notice when you’re just observing and not immediately in a situation. I don't do as well when I am a part of the situation. I wish i had the power to freeze time that way I could gather my thoughts, step back and observe and then continue on. But that's neither here nor there...
They were dancing around each other--she was moving to the left, to the right of him. She smiled more. Most times their feet were pointed in the direction of the other person. That’s a big hint—your feet always point you in the right direction if you just let them. He kept lifting his shirt and touching his stomach (kind of obnoxious, but unconscious in most cases—not the man, the action :-) ). Sometimes he even lifted his arms over his head to show off his body--it's a way of opening yourself up--a mating/courting type move. He was showing off his new car (don’t ask me what kind. I have no idea other than it was white, shiny and had 2 doors). She seemed to be really interested in it—even sat inside. It was so obvious. But even then, obvious to an outsider doesn’t necessarily mean obvious to the people involved.
She jabbed him in the stomach jokingly. That was an unconscious jab like “hey, when are you actually gonna do something” not a “lets play fight” kinda jab. They talked for well over 10 minutes and it was that type of extended conversation where you’re not really talking about anything but waiting for the other to make a move. She was obviously still there waiting for him to do something. They don’t get it sometimes. Boys are oblivious. I read an article once where a man said “I tried everything. I thought I was being really obvious that I liked her but she wasn’t getting it”. It’s not that we don’t get it—girls catch on quick. We’re usually 5 steps ahead of you. That fact is that most men aren’t as obvious as they think. We don’t know if you want to just be friends or see us naked—sometimes it’s both—that’s why it’s so confusing :-p.
I can see in this case where she’s waiting for him to be more forward and he’s still wondering if she just wants to be friends. Then she gets frustrated because he never makes a move and he gets nervous because he doesn’t want to misread the signals and do something that may jeopardize their current relationship to each other.
Humans…they’re an interesting species indeed.
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