What it Means to Put the Arms Behind the Head

Body language makes up a large part of our daily communication. The difference between non-verbal communication and verbal communication is that it’s much harder to lie with our non-verbal signals. Body language is more sub-conscious, and thus easier reveals what we really feel.

One thing is interesting here; men and women do not have the same signals, or body language patterns.

For example, when a man puts his arms behind his head, as pictured, it means he is in a relaxed position. Maybe he’s happy about something he achieved and he’s now taking a rest, on the couch, a beer nearby.

When a woman is in that same position, however, with the arms behind her head, it usually means that she is opening herself up as part of a flirting signal. She might be signalling, “I am open-minded right now, and potentially interested in you.”

Source:
Werner Katzengruber, German communications trainer.

Philipp Lenssen on Wednesday, Feb 1 2006 reg. Male/female communication.