What Your Posture Says About You: Hidden Personality Traits

Research has proved that 90 percent of human communication is actually non-verbal. More than what we speak, how we say it, our tone, eye contact and body language, play a much crucial role in the judgement that people make about us. These are psychological aspects that get manifested directly from our subconscious minds. Most of the time, we don’t even realise that we are giving out subtle signs about our personality during each and every moment of a conversation.

Let’s look at some of these important signs deeply so that we can make informed choices while judging people and also to communicate effectively.

When someone stands with their legs apart and doesn’t close themselves by crossing hands, they exude confidence and an approachable nature. Your judgement is confirmed if their head is also looking straight, and not downwards.
This posture means that you are comfortable in that particular space and you have an open character. The person standing in front of you will feel that they are welcome to kickstart a conversation. In fact, you can also add more power to your character by placing both your hands on the hips. This provides the added message that you are ready for action, assertive and knows your own worth.


When someone’s hands are crossed in front of their chest or belly, it signifies a closed body language. It means that they are uncomfortable in the situation and would love to escape if they get an opportunity. For example, if a number of people are standing together and conversing and one person is keeping quiet with his hands crossed, it represents the subconscious message provided by his mind that “I am uncomfortable right now and I want to leave.”

This posture can also point out our anger and disagreement with what’s going on around us. It shows that the person is trying to control his temper and restraining himself from engaging in a negative manner. These are subtle signals coming from the inner world of a human being.


Similar to standing with legs apart, keeping a single leg forward also gives the message that the individual is ready for action. He or she has an adventurous nature and will make his next move in an instant. If someone standing a bit far is manifesting this posture towards you, it means that they would like to come near you and strike up a conversation. They are open for engagement.

If a single leg is kept in a crossed manner while standing, it means that the person has an introverted and reserved character. He or she has a protective nature and it won’t be easy to solve the mystery of their character. This posture is silently telling you that: “I am a thoughtful person and understanding me requires deep communication and engagement from your part.” It is also a stylish posture that you can use while posing for pictures by maintaining a certain amount of mystery to your presence.


If the person in front of you has a slouching posture and is walking slowly, or is slow while doing everything in general, then it means that he or she has a lazy and negative character.

People who are not interested in anything usually exhibit this posture. Their internal voice might be saying that “I just want to exist in this world. I am nobody.”

Our body language and postures talk a lot about our fundamental nature and character. Next time when you are alone try to observe how people are behaving. We can go to the gym and improve our overall energy and strength. Moreover, if you find yourself slouching or crossing hands, you can make some conscious efforts to shift into a confident posture and make subtle changes to your attitude and vice-versa.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How sitting postures reveal personality traits?Sitting with crossed legs represent imagination and daydreaming, knees apart shows confidence and straight knees often suggest organisation and rationality.
2. What are the health problems associated with poor posture?Bad postures often result in chronic back and neck pain, headaches and fatigue.
3. How does poor posture affect health?Poor posture can lead to muscle fatigue, spinal issues, digestive issues and even our mental health.