Chapter 8

Arming Yourself

In This Chapter

Shutting people out

Letting someone in

Disguising anxiety

Sending signals through bodily contact

Whether you’re crossing your arms as a protective shield or opening them as a sign of welcome, the way you position your arms tells an astute observer how you’re feeling.

Certain postures elicit certain moods. Crossed arms hold your feelings in and keep other people’s out. They show that you’ve set up roadblocks beyond which no person dares travel. Stay with this position for too long and you find yourself feeling shut off and negative. Unless, of course, you’re cold, in which case holding your arms across your chest keeping the warmth in and the cold out makes perfect sense.