Politis

What Does Crossing Your Arms During a Conversation Mean?

Published January 21, 2026, 07:24
What Does Crossing Your Arms During a Conversation Mean?

Crossing one's arms during a conversation is a common, yet often misinterpreted gesture. While frequently seen as a sign of defensiveness or rejection, its true meaning is highly contextual and can indicate discomfort, internal tension, or even concentration. Psychology suggests that crossed arms can be an unconscious attempt to protect the torso, a vulnerable part of the body. However, it can also be due to a need for comfort or accompany internal information processing. For an accurate interpretation, it's important to consider other non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, eye contact, and tone of voice.