The Ultimate Body Language Book

The legs therefore, are a great indicator of true thoughts and feelings. For example, we might look to
the legs to verify interest. The legs crossed toward something or someone indicates thoughts and shows
an attraction in the direction. In other words the legs are propelled in the direction in which we think.
Couples that have a strong relationship will cross their legs toward each other, enemies will cross away,
context permitting of course. Lovers sitting on a couch together with their legs crossed toward each
other, bodies leaning inward, with their arms meeting over the backs of the couch are said to be in a
“loving circle.” This is not a term reserved for just intimate couples though, it can also apply to family,
close friends and even associates, both male and female. It represents a likeness of mind – agreement.
Caution is required at this point, since not everyone is equally able or willing to cross their legs in
either direction. Over time, we tend to develop greater flexibility in one direction, or the other, simply
through habit, so it’s not always a valuable signal if a person crosses their legs away from someone
else. If they lean and cross away from each other, then these two clues, in context, might mean
something is worth exploring further.
It has been noted in several studies that the amount of movement that the feet undergo while lying
significantly increases, and that these movements are below the level of consciousness. It’s fairly easy
to monitor our arms and (with limited success), our facial expressions, but it’s something else to
monitor a distant part like our feet. The leg tap, where the hand rhythmically taps the thigh can be done
out of fear or deceit, even out of fear of being caught, uneasiness and even boredom, depending on the
remaining set of cues in a cluster and on the particular context by which they occur. What we do below
the belt is out of sight and out of mind!