What about body language? Does it really matter?

Yes I do read body language. crossed arms also means closed up. I watch for nervous tics, nervous talk Facial expression. I only need to do this when I am taking applications for a rental.

I feel that there is something of substance to this idea. Even the way we speak can affect others. Animals cannot really speak our language, but I think they can read and interpret body language. It is perhaps no surprise then that our body language can affect our dog's behaviour. A dog has some body language of its own of course, and a dog is very adept at reading body language, whether it be in another dog or in anything else that it comes in contact with. This includes you, the owner. The way that you move, and the gestures or actions that you display, all communicate something to your dog. They watch all of these messages carefully, and they will also monitor your further actions and reactions. And so, based on this example with a dog, I feel that body language, can indicate certain inner feelings and thoughts/beliefs of a person, but they are more just an indicator, rather than being a definite truth, all of the time. Photo Credit: This image has been freely used and sourced from the free media site: pixabay.com These gestures must be being done for some reason, if they are being done unconsciously like this. The reason behind it might be open to as much interpretational licence though, as which interpreting a dream might have too.

my father had this habit of putting one hand on his hip. even when he turned left or right to let you pass, that elbow is still sticking out!

I know people can have a habit which has a meaning - like you do - but if it's 'habit' then the 'meaning' doesn't necessarily go with it. I guess the folded arms in your case needs to be combined with other signals to have a particular meaning. But I don't know how others know this. I often fold my arms too but try to make sure I don't do it too much when I'm talking to someone.

sometimes body language says more than our words

Body language tells us a lot - whether we should advance or retreat.

I do notice others. It is interesting and I think it is important. Take for instance a first impression.

I am poor at picking up body languages. The only thing I hate is when some people stare at you eye to eye without even shifting glances. Feels like they pierce through to your soul. And that for me is very uncomfortable.

I notice that of the others and I try to avoid to send wrong messages through my gestures.

No I don't but it probably wouldn't hurt me to think about body language.

I do read body language when speaking to someone. I learned to do this while being a teacher. It sometimes could help avoid a problem. Yes, body language is important.

Yes, body language matters. I noticed that from other people and from myself, too.

No, I do not think about my body language, but, I am sure I am saying all kinds of things I do not know what I am saying.

I think there is too much importance put on body language and appearances.

I think my wife wouldn't care about my folding my arms in front of me when we have a conversation,though I don't have that habit.However if I do that way as talking with my friends or strangers,they would take it as arrogance.I think people's reaction to body language varies from place to place.

I used to fold my arms also when talking to someone, but i don't think it affects or reflects my disagreement.

You make a good point and I hope I give off good vibes with my body language

I notice it, particularly when it can be construed as negative.

Good observation. People need to learn proper body language. They sure don't have here in the city. Everybody's always rolling their eyes and smirking. The rudest darn city I've ever seen!

Yes sometimes our body language tells more than our words.