FOLLOW THE SIGNS

Few things communicate like body language, and facial expressions. If you pay attention, they can be very quick and subtle for people to miss. Many people dismiss this, because they are too narcissistic to be aware of another person's responses. These are most likely people who like to rant, and have a faulty filter, that keeps them from saying offensive or ignorant things. Being a people person, is a good thing. Knowing and understanding people, can give you better insight into relating to other people, or, might even possibly save a life, including your own. Many people believe they don't have to filter what they say and do, because they are unapologetic about their necessity to feel important. If you aren't willing to put your fellow man first, be considerate, or at the very least, respectful, then the opposition will always be great. I'm not saying you have to eat crow, to make another individual feel secure, but, if you approach cautiously and the other individual is disrespectful, then you have every right to reflect that right back to that person.

You could take the high road and maintain that respect, but, at that point the ball is in your court. Although, if the person you're dealing with had the foresight to pay attention to your body language and facial expressions, then they would discover your discomfort. However, that's not always the case. Many people are far too self involved to notice the intricate game of small signals. It's a significant trait to have tho. Some people have made careers off of the talent, of being able to interpret people's body language, facial expressions, and even eye movements. It tells a story, almost like a subtext. If you're willing to pay attention to the reaction signals, you're receiving from people, you can make yourself more relatable to them. Comedians, do this. You can actually be taught how to do this in meetings, and job interviews. However, in day to day life, we sometimes fail to apply these same principles. It's simplistic.

Interestingly the principle, can be applied to dealings with the opposite sex. In dating, relationships, and even hooking up, its the subtle nuances, that can make or break the progression of those types of interactions. Also, just like every other interaction, we sometimes fail to notice the other person's responses, and the result is a breakdown in communication. It pays to have this ability in your arsenal of dealing with people, not just the opposite sex. One of the things, that I used to enjoy doing, when I was younger, was people watch. The best place for me to do this, was at the mall. I gained insight, from watching people interact. It also probably helps that I am an artist, so I notice small details. The expressions in the eyes alone, are quite extensive. So add to that, the body and facial expressions, and you have so much information, to inform you about another individual. So if you're attempting to communicate with someone, you can pick up alot with the technique of reading people. Be cautious tho, because you can cross the line, into reading and assuming what a person's feeling, and begin mistakenly breaking down their psychological makeup. Psychology is good to understand the signs of certain behavior, but, leave it at that. The method should be used for reactionary purposes, not for assumptions on past or future behavior.

It's a delicate science, one that is reserved for those who can subdue their own interests. Even if you are using the method, to your advantage. If you are paying attention to the reactions/responses of others, then you are not focusing on yourself and instead learning about someone else. Its a good thing. Over time, you can learn a lot about one particular person or people in general, and in the end communicate more effectively.   -  925