How To Read People: A Manual

Start with facing them and trying to look them in the eye.

Of course, this will get you as far as knowing four letters in the alphabet will help you write a full novel. But don't be deterred. Learning to read people is an art. Mostly accidental genius.

Watch closely where they place their hands.
Are they on their hips? Both left and right?
In that case, it's no use learning how to read them- they are probably mid sentence declaring that they're Superman searching for Kryptonite. But those kind should only be a few (if you're lucky).

Body language goes a long way in reading people and understanding what they really mean. 

Some giveaways like hugs and kisses generally imply love and affection. Of course, it's never as simple. This could be past love or love in the future tense- 

Let me kiss your cheek because I once loved you. 

I'm now going to hug you, out of social propriety and the hope that one day when you lose weight and if I'm still single we could be together.

People are best read out of their natural habitat. 

Take them somewhere new and unfamiliar, tell them something they never expected to hear and take away their phones. Then step back and watch. 

You'll be able to read them in tiny increments. Like how their eyes and thumbs, so used to scrolling, will be equally wild and ravenous. Searching feverishly for something to rest on.


One place where you will never make any headway, is when you see people with each other. 

Steer clear of their interactions, especially those involving actual words and laughs. 

Look out instead, for sighs, lingering glances, bitten lips and sentences left half unsaid.


But the only way to actually do it, is to read them like Braille.
The only time anything will ever make sense is when skin will met skin.

                                                     

                                                (This gorgeous artwork from here)