The Ultimate Body Language Book

people or block them out and we’ve also seen how the figure four leg cross is a seated crotch display
and also that leg spreading shows dominance, but legs crossed also shows comfort. When the legs are
crossed they significantly reduce the ability to act quickly during confrontation and when it happens
while standing significantly reduces balance. Therefore, leg crossing is an important indicator of the
degree of comfort felt in any given situation.
Take the standing leg cross which happens by putting one foot behind the other. What is essentially
happening is that the body is supported by just one leg making escape from this position especially
difficult. Walking with just one foot is extremely cumbersome! This requires the feet to first uncross
before taking action and this is exactly what happens when we become uncomfortable or insecure
about certain presence. We’ve talked about the fig leaf position that happens by placing the hands over
the midsection to cover them, and this does happen when people feel timid or insecure, but not when
they are scared or fearful. A person standing in an elevator might stand with their legs crossed, but
when a stranger accompanies them, their legs will uncross and their feet will become firmly planted.
The subconscious mind is saying to the body that no chances should be taken here. While the fig leaf
position says “I’m uncomfortable, but escape is impossible because I must talk with this person”
whereas uncrossing the legs says “I have no idea who this person is and am unsure of them” and “I
know I can run at anytime, and I will, should the need arise so now it the time to prepare”
Chapter 11 - Emotional Body Language
Other Emotional Body Language
Stroking can take on many forms and depending on context can indicate the need for comfort.
Emotional body language can arise anytime the hands touch the face, neck, shoulder, arm, hand, or leg
as a direct response to negative events. These negative events can be anything from an embarrassing or
sexist joke, being put on the spot, having to present to an audience or being asked a difficult question.
When viewing emotional body language keep in mind that men tend to touch their faces more often,
whereas women prefer to touch their hair, arms, neck, clothing or jewelry. Men also tend to be more