is body language the same for everyone?

Question

for example, do ALL shy people avoid eye contact (or whatever it is they say shy people do) or does is it an individual thing?

sorry, but I have to correct myself-- i dont know why i stuck an extra 'does' in there please ignore it :)

Answer 1

I'm shy but I make eye contact, because it's the best way to read people and to let people know your intentions. And because my Dad told me too when I was a kid. Thanks Dad.
Some cultures avoid eye contact as a subservient thing, but lose it after one generation in America.
Generally body language means, how you position your body when talking to someone. Do you lean toward them or lean back. Do you stand in an aggressive or shrinking manner, etc. It is the same world wide.
Studies done in the early 1900's also showed that facial expressions were the same for all peoples, even in the most remote places.
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Answer 2

Body language is similar for everyone if you are thinking of natural responses like crossing your arms when you are uncomfortable near someone. But it also differs through out society. People from one country might take eye contact as a sign of respect while another it is blazen.

Personal space is the same way. I don't know the exact numbers but for example in the US a comfortable personal space would be 3-5 feet depending on the relation ship while in Colombia it could be 1-2 feet (remeber just an example)

I am super tired i hope you understood what i was trying to say...

Answer 3

Well, I'm shy and I do avoid eye contact. I don't know why, I think it's because I don't really know what to say to people and it looks stupid for two people just to stare at each other not knowing what to say.

This has happened to me before on "somewhat" of a date I had. I left. Kinda bad but it felt awkward. I mean someone has to speak. LOL!!

Answer 4

Nope. I have some shy tendancies but I don't avoid eye contact. In fact, just the opposite. I overcompensate.

Answer 5

basically, body language is universal. but it is bound by cultural and social differences.

i'm not shy, but i do avoid eye contact with people i'm not comfortable with.

Answer 6

I never put much into the body language bs, everyone is different and their reponses are too.