It's your first date and you realize that nobody opposite you like. How to know if this attraction is reciprocal? Some facial expressions could say a lot about your crush's interest in you, research shows.
He or she pleases you. But how do you know if this attraction is reciprocal? It is not always easy to interpret the signs. According to a study carried out by researchers at the University of Kansas (USA) and published in the Journal of Sex Research, specific facial expressions could help us know if we like someone.
Body language that speaks volumes
To complete their study, the scientists analyzed how women flirted with men in several different test groups, using a facial system, the Facial Coding System (FACS). "For the first time, not only were we able to isolate and identify the expressions that represent flirtation, but we were also able to reveal their function: to activate associations linked to relationships and to sex"says Omri Gillath, professor of psychology at the University of Kansas.
"In our six studies, we found that most men were able to recognize a certain female facial expression as representing a flirtation.", he adds. In total, three expressions stand out:
- Head turned to the side and tilted slightly down
- A slight smile, shy and discreet
- Eyes fixed on the person in front
While waiting to be able to make love encounters again in real life, put those clues to the test during a Zoom or FaceTime date. And if you intend to let your crush know that you like them, you now know that it's much easier to let them know by turning your head or smiling slightly rather than using a mysterious emoji. !