We all know that women can be confusing creatures.

They say "I'm fine" when they mean "I am about to start bawling -- and I'll never let you forget it." They follow counterintuitive "Rules"-esque guidelines about whose turn it is to call. And on top of all that, they're less likely to sleep with guys they actually like.

We figured there must be a way to cut through the confusing subtext and mixed signals, so we turned to science, in the form of Kevin Hogan, one of the nation's leading body-language experts.

After authoring 19 books on the subject and being utilized as a resource by outlets such as ABC, Fox, and the BBC, we hoped he could help us figure out if that cute girl in the vintage Led Zeppelin tee is into us -- or secretly dying in horror that a goon like us is even trying to talk to her.

Continue reading to hear this body-language expert's interpretation of some common female stances. Keep in mind, all women are different and these interpretations are based within a flirting context.


In this photograph, the woman's right foot is pointed in, taking the weight off her right hip and causing her left foot to support all of her body weight.

"She's non-consciously drawing attention to her neck, which is a bit of an invitation," says Hogan. "That, combined with her very off-balance posture, could be interpreted that she likes you and trusts you."
This awkward pose may represent some sort of nervousness or aloofness. The woman's legs are criss-crossed at an odd angle and she looks uncomfortable in general.

"It wouldn't surprise me if she started to nibble at a fingernail," says Hogan. "She is postured like a young teenager. Her hand to her waist is not for power, but maybe for display (if she's thinking about anything at all)."
Pair this classic, crossed-leg sitting pose with her stiff upper torso, and Hogan says this one's a no-brainer:

"She is prepared to be obedient," he says. "Her hands are keeping her posture straight and completely open and her neck is completely exposed. That's as open an invitation as she can give you."

"Her crossed leg indicates she is planning on staying here with you for as long as you like," he adds.
This laid-back stance signifies that this woman is "aggressively flirting with you," our expert tells us.

"She shows you her body, but blocks it with her right arm offering you a small hurdle to get past to get the prize." The way she's sitting on her foot represents a sort of vulnerability, as well.
A polite posture like this one may represent a hint of uncertainty. It may not be painfully obvious here, explains Hogan, but this rigid stance could very well mean "she is not comfortable with you."

Don't worry about an explosive outbreak, though. "As long as she is sitting as she does in church, she will behave as if she is in church."
This is precisely the kind of body language that lets you know she truly digs you.

"She probably isn't allowed to jump over the table and ride you out the door, so she is giving you all the signals possible that now is the time for you to get up and get moving," our expert explains.

He adds, "She has opened her entire body to you. All that's left is for someone to smack you over the head and say, 'Do it!'"
"Her hands are sweaty and she is likely uncomfortable," says Hogan. You haven't set her at ease and she's probably nervous or isn't able to relax.

However, notice that the woman's weight is shifted in this position, as well. This unbalanced weight distribution leaves her "completely vulnerable," despite any discomfort she may feel toward you.

In other words: Not all hope is lost.
Either you just said something offensive or your breath is bad. This is obvious because the woman has leaned away from you in addition to crossing her arms.

Luckily, "Her feet are still both pointed toward you, forgiving your boorish behavior," explains Hogan.
When a woman is that close to you, it's high time you make a move.

"This is the moment you've waited for," Hogan tells Asylum. "She is completely in your personal space and her body simply says, "Take me home.'" Hogan adds, "Her left toe pointing toward you is the final signal."
This is another one of those stances that screams, "I want you!" our expert says.

He explains, "She gives full view of her chest, completely opens the door by placing her arm behind her body and handcuffing her other arm. This body is one that wants to be taken, so step up to the plate."

Can a woman's body language let you know she's flirting?
Yes -- we all reveal things through our bodies.23090 (68.4%)
No way -- The only way to know she's flirting is to hear what she's saying.10659 (31.6%)


All photos courtesy of Wendy Rose Gould.