Body language

Be body language literate, and learn to suss how much someone likes you just by looking.

Trust your instincts

There's a great deal of debate about whether certain non-verbal signals are inborn, instinctive or learned, but it is agreed that when it comes to body language every one of us speaks with a slightly different accent. We can give you the basics, but when it comes to reading people for real be sure to look between the lines.

Reading him

Like your typical animal, a man on the make tends to preen himself - anything from checking his hair to his shirt cuffs. If sex is on his subconscious, so to speak, then his hands won't be far from his genitals - i.e. on his hips or in his pockets. The crotch display is a bit of a male giveaway, especially when he's seated, so if you find yourself faced with legs parted like the Red Sea you can be pretty sure he's mentally undressed you already.

Reading her

Women are subtler than men in their physical displays of affection. If she's interested then you may see similar preening gestures, but also check out the way she's looking at you. Holding your gaze, looking away and then glancing back is a kind of peek-a-boo you can't afford to ignore. Unless she doesn't look back, of course. Also watch for the way she handles her wrists. Why? Because it's a part of the female body that's considered to be erotically charged. It's a pulse point after all, not to mention a prime target for perfume. Crossing and uncrossing the legs may also be a promising sign too, but it could just mean she's busting to get up and away - so don't take the signs too literally!