Comments on: Body Language: Arm-Cross

By: Mihaela Lica

Mihaela Lica — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:13:45 +0000

Well, Heather, there is a reason for people to freak about this, especially in jobs that need impeccable body-language. I don’t know where you work, but if your boss is ready to fire you for such a thing, you should probably be more careful. I’d fire one of my people too for such disregard of PR norms, I hope you understand why. When you work in a public position you have to be careful about these things.

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:32:13 +0000

I think the arm crossed thing is bogus. I have been doing it since I was little and people have always told me not to do it. Yesterday, I did at work to lean on myself, I was waiting on someone and my boss told me he would fire me if I did it again. He’s a german and freaks if I have my hands in my pockets too! My grandfather was german also and would freak about the hands in the pockets thing too! Anyway this job is so stupid, I can’t stand around even for a second without him in my businees telling me to do something, he wants me to be busy working all the time, I ‘ll be so glad in 6 weeks when I can quit.

By: Mihaela Lica

Mihaela Lica — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:51:44 +0000

Thank you Erica for underlining the most important aspect of the article. I have to tell you though that even the loose arm-cross is a self-comforting gesture. It might be interpreted as a border between you and the rest of the world. It’s self-reassuring and calming, relaxing if you want. It’s not a bad thing to cross your arms, but there are situations when this simple gesture might send out a negative message.

My point: better avoid crossing your arms in a tensed circumstance (as mentioned in the article: business meetings, job interviews, encounters with the media, etc.)

By: Erica

Erica — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:40:19 +0000

I think the important thing to get out of this is that there are many different meanings for arm-cross. But the most important to look out for is the tight arm-cross, as you mentioned above. I too cross my arms alot, but it usually a loose arm-cross. You can easily tell if they are cold because they typically rub their hands up and down their bicep.

By: Mihaela Lica

Mihaela Lica — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:51:59 +0000

OK, this is a funny, but pertinent observation. I suppose I should write in the post: take care how you read body language when people are cold! Lol!

By: Laurie

Laurie — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:50:05 +0000

You have to be careful not to read too much into something as simple as crossing your arms. I do it quite often not because I’m nervous, angry, or defensive, but because I’m cold. It’s an easy way to keep my hands warm.

By: Mihaela Lica

Mihaela Lica — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 12:59:20 +0000

It looks like you use this as a “self-comforting posture used mostly unconsciously to alleviate nervous tension”.

The signs of arrogance are pretty clear: “raised elbows pointing out plus a general self-sufficient attitude”. I believe you are on the safe side if you don’t have a patronizing attitude.

By: dan1el

dan1el — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 12:53:31 +0000

I cross my arms all the time. I just find it more comfortable than letting my arms dangle by my side. It’s a bad habit, I’ll admit that. But I’m pretty certain its not and involuntary display of self-confidence and arrogance. I hope people don’t read it that way.

By: Mihaela Lica

Mihaela Lica — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:11:49 +0000

Smiles. Thank you for reading, Justinas! And thanks for paying attention to details.

PS: you should tell your friend to follow my entries. The information here is free.

By: Slave

Slave — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:06:17 +0000

Yesterday a friend of mine planned to buy a book called “Body language” Good communication and understanding of other people is very important.

“Men rarely cross their arms in a self-preservation pose. They do cross their arms to show (mostly involuntary) self-confidence and arrogance.” - well, it’s true.

Thanks for the post.