The Art of Rejection: Body Language Dating Tips

A Toronto study found that two-thirds of men hitting on women didn't realize the ladies were not interested at all.

• Men cannot read rejection signs effectively • Men think there might be wiggle room to convince someone • Men believe they could try harder or something different • Women don't know how to showcase they're not interested

A man uses an obvious pick-up line without realizing the woman is uninterested in his advances.

Behavioral investigator Vanessa Van Edwards provides four simple body language moves to make rejection perfectly clear.

• Turn your torso away from the person • Creates bigger distance between you two • Non-verbally communicates disengagement • Signals she's not interested in the interaction

• Shake your head no while they're speaking • Can be done immediately when they make their approach • Non-verbally tells them you've crossed a line • Clear signal to back off

Use head shaking when someone asks to dance, requests your number, or makes any forward move.

These are the easiest immediate moves to deploy when you want to reject an advance.

• Hold your drink in front of you to block them from leaning forward • Use your purse as a physical barrier • These non-verbal signs tell them to take a step back • Communicates you need more space

• Women often raise their tone at the end when nervous • Instead of saying 'I don't want to dance,' they say 'I don't want to dance?' • This sounds uncertain to men • Men interpret it as possible wiggle room

When you say no, say it like you mean it with an authoritative tone that conveys certainty and finality.

All of these rejection tips work for men as well when they want to decline romantic advances.