Little signs hint interest

By Steven Karlin

Friday, September 21, 2007

Have you ever seen someone painfully beautiful or a shockingly handsome, but not known how to approach them? Or have you ever been approached by someone only to have the conversation suffer because he or she was incredibly awkward? We’ve all encountered these situations, but what is the best way to deal with them?

“Never use pick-up lines,” said Mike Meadows, Derby junior. “You can tell through a person’s eye-contact and body language if they are interested. Just go be yourself.”

If a person is sneaking glances at you every few minutes, the person probably won’t mind if you come over to chat. An interested person will normally sit in a more open position, or lean toward his or her person of interest.

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Guys who are looking for a one night thing will put themselves out there much faster than other guys. Someone looking for a relationship will be more respectful.

-Annie Wade, Overland Park freshman

Meadows said the more someone looks away the less they want to be hit on. Crossing your arms or turning your body away is an indication of indifference.

For the less outgoing people who are nervous about approaching strangers, the same rules apply. Try watching for eye contact and body language even if you aren’t planning an approach.

Friends are an asset and a good confidence booster too. Mike Breeden, Quinter senior, was with friends who noticed the attraction between him and his now significant other. Breeden’s friends forced him to act by shoving the two together.

“We both kept noticing each other, but it took our friends to push us together,” Breeden said.

If you are looking for a serious relationship, beware of people searching for a one night stand. If you are questioning the motives of your new acquaintance, you can look for some fairly straightforward signs.

“Guys who are looking for a one night thing will put themselves out there much faster than other guys,” said Annie Wade, Overland Park freshman. “Someone looking for a relationship will be more respectful.”

The most obvious one-night stand seeker is the married person without a ring. If it’s summertime, there should be a tan line where the ring should be. The line is slightly fainter during the winter but still there.

It never hurts to ask, except maybe your pride if you receive a rejection. But it might be worse to not ask at all. Use your best judgment. Your friends and your instincts provide your best guidance.

— Edited by Luke Morris

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