The Direction of the Feet (Intention)

Feet as an indicator of interest

Most people concentrate on controlling their facial expressions and their hands, but completely forget their legs and feet.

For this reason, the lower extremities are often the most honest part of the body, as they reveal a person's true intentions and feelings.

The rule of thumb is simple: the feet point where the mind wants to go.

If you are talking to a colleague who turns to look at you, but your feet remain pointed toward the door or your desk, your body is telling you that it doesn't want to spend much time with you and wants to leave.

Conversely, if the person turns her whole body, including her feet, to face you, she is indicating that she is willing to give you her time and attention.

This same principle applies in social or romantic contexts: a person will often unconsciously point their feet in the direction of the person they are most interested in in a group.

How to Join a Conversation (Foot Opening)

Foot direction is a crucial social tool for determining whether you are welcome in a group conversation. Imagine two of your colleagues are chatting in a hallway and you approach.

If both people turn only their faces or torsos to greet you, but their feet remain pointed at each other (forming a "closed stance"), they are subtly indicating that they do not wish to be interrupted.

Even if they verbally tell you "Hi! How are you?", their body language says "We are in a private conversation".

Conversely, if as you approach, both people turn their feet and torsos to open the circle and include you (forming a triangle), it is a clear signal of welcome and they are agreeing for you to join the discussion.

Forward or Backward Steps (Opening or Rejection)

Our feet are programmed by the limbic system for survival responses: fight, flight or freeze.

This programming translates into subtle movements in modern interactions.

When a person is presented with something they like or are interested in, they will often take a small, unconscious step toward the object or person.

Conversely, if you make a proposal to someone and that person takes a subtle step back, it is a very re