Six Signals His Face Is Sending You

Cosmo uncovers the secret body-language clues that reveal your guy’s deepest desires — almost instantly.

Source: lifestyle.msn.com

By Beth Whiffen

Mention the words sharing and feelings in the same sentence and most guys — yes, even if they’re super comfortable with you — will run to the nearest sports bar, where they can avoid using modern language entirely. “Men are taught to stifle emotion, so they often have trouble verbalizing their thoughts and feelings,” explains psychologist Alon Gratch, Ph.D., author of If Men Could Talk.

But lucky for you, even if your guy won’t open up, his mug will give him away. “The face is considered the most expressive body part because its muscles are linked to the emotional centers in the brain,” says anthropologist David B. Givens, Ph.D., author of Love Signals. “The slightest shift in mood registers as a specific facial gesture, making it extremely difficult to conceal one’s true feelings.” Learn to decode these unconscious cues and you’ve got a window into his soul.

Here’s how to tell when…

1. He Needs Some Space
Maybe you brought up a sensitive subject or said something that ticked him off. It could even just be that the dude had a crummy day at work. But one thing is certain: When your guy turns his head to the right or left midconversation so you’re talking to him in profile, he’s in no mood to chat. “He’s using this head turn to increase the physical distance between the two of you without actually stepping backward and moving his entire body away from you,” says Givens. “In effect, what he’s doing is creating a silent barrier to shut you out and create a safe haven for himself.”

Handle-him help: His Lone Ranger stance may not have anything to do with you, but something has clearly upset him and the man needs some time alone. “Men require space in order to maintain their sense of independence, which is a central component to their identity,” says Gratch. “Often, they want to feel as though they’ve dealt with a particular issue on their own without any assistance from a significant other.”

Translation: Getting in his face will only serve to push him further away. So unless you want him to retreat to Siberia, do a disappearing act until he seems to be in a better mood … whether it’s for a few minutes or a couple of hours. “It may take the average guy 20 minutes to an hour to relax and fully process a situation; however, it’s crucial for you to allow him that time period to think,” says psychotherapist Jonathan Robinson, author of Communication Miracles for Couples: Easy and Effective Tools to Create More Love and Less Conflict.

Then when he does seem more like himself, approach him and say something like “What was going on before? You seemed kinda bummed.” Maybe he’ll spill his guts, but if not, let it go. As long as he’s not giving off any “I’m pissed at you” vibes, it was probably nothing anyway.

2. He’s Ready for Romance
Say you’re at a party or out at a bar with your guy and you notice that when you lock eyes with him, his peepers seem a little sleepy and droopy. No, he’s not ready for a nap, but he is ready for bed. “When people feel a strong sexual urge, they lapse into a more restful, dreamy state,” explains Givens, “which is why this expression is commonly referred to as bedroom eyes.”

Handle-him help: You already know he’s hot for you, so while you’re out in public, work him into a state of arousal with a little hands-off foreplay. “Whisper some sexy compliment, or lean in and blow lightly in his ear to stimulate the ultrasensitive area near his eardrum,” says sexologist Logan Levkoff. “Then go back to mingling with your friends as if nothing happened. This type of teasing will only heighten his anticipation.” Once you’re alone, make sure you follow through on those thrilling overtures you made … and throw in a few surprises.

3. He Has Something to Tell You
If you’re chatting with your man and you notice him pursing or puckering his lips several times in succession, take note. “This mouth motion shows that he’s trying to verbalize a thought,” says Givens. “When a person has something to say, the brain sends a message to the lips and tongue to start shaping the sentiment. You’re seeing his thought expressed before he even has a chance to come out with the words.” continue reading