When dating, we often question whether the other person has genuine interest in us. Being able to assess behavior and body language will help with the answer.
What to look for:
They listen attentively – someone who is interested, listens attentively. They genuinely want to know more about you. They don’t interrupt to talk about themselves.They are patient as they listen and don’t give the impression they are burdened. You clearly know they are absorbing what you are saying.
Body language - a person who is interested will express this through their body language. You will see nods of affirmation and interest. Their eyes are focused on you and not darting all over the place as if they are bored or distracted. They won’t fidget and will offer a level of space, close enough in proximity to you, but enough space to be comfortable. Their body language isn’t stiff, but open to you.
Interaction – a person who is interested, interacts with what you are saying, but without interrupting. They ask questions. They make comments and ask questions to gain clarity and more understanding. They don’t react with “duh” or “oh”, but add depth to the conversation. Their interaction also expresses how well they have listened. They interact and add their own comments, but encourage you to continue. They don’t try to hold the spotlight and don’t focus only on themselves.
Manners - a person who is interested will be mannerly. They won’t give you reason to feel you’ve been insulted or mistreated at the end of a date, with rude comments they call “jokes”. They appreciate the time you have shared with them and express this in every way.
Have you ever been on a date and felt as if you were talking to a brick wall or struggled to get a word out that would allow the other person to know you better? Or… maybe someone whose eyes were looking at every person of the opposite sex but YOU? That’s the type that are self-focused and will probably remain that way if you get into a relationship.
Don’t turn a blind eye when obvious signs of selfishness or disinterest are there. Assessing genuine interest isn’t difficult, but you have to be truthful about what is before you.