A professional matchmaker has revealed seven telltale signs to look out for on a date that indicate they’re not interested.
Relationship expert Louanne Ward said it’s important to know as soon as possible whether or not someone you’re dating is interested so you don’t waste “precious time” or “emotional energy” on them.
The Perth dating coach gave her tips for deciphering a date’s body language to gauge their interest by how much eye contact they give you and even which direction they are physically leaning in.
“When reading body language on a date or in a social interaction, it’s important to look for clusters of nonverbal cues as it helps to more accurately interpret someone’s feelings, emotions and attitudes,” Louanne wrote in a blog after.
‘Individual body language signals can be ambiguous and open to multiple interpretations. However, when several signals occur together, they can reinforce each other, giving a clearer signal of the person’s state of mind.’
Matchmaker Louanne Ward, from Perth, has revealed the seven telltale signs a date isn’t interested in you, from avoiding eye contact to crossing arms
If someone isn’t much into conversation, it might be time to wrap up the date. If one gives you ‘short or monosyllabic’ answers, they are ‘obviously’ disinterested (stock image)
Louanne said limited eye contact is a “powerful” indicator of a lack of connection, interest and engagement.
“If your date doesn’t make eye contact or often looks away, it could indicate a lack of interest or discomfort,” she said.
“Lack of eye contact indicates that their attention is elsewhere and they may not be fully present in the conversation.”
The love coach said you should pay close attention to your date’s body language and in particular their arm position.
“Crossed arms create a barrier between you and your date, indicating defensiveness and a closed attitude,” she said.
“This physical barrier suggests a lack of openness and receptivity to further involvement.”
Well in a previous one afterLouanne cautioned that folded arms aren’t always an indication of disinterest and could be because someone is cold and trying to warm up or refraining from fidgeting to give someone their undivided attention.
If a person isn’t much into conversation, it might be time to wrap up the date according to Louanne.
She said if a person only gives “short or monosyllabic” answers and you feel like you’re doing most of the work in a conversation, it’s a sign they’re “clearly” not interested in building a connection.
“Observing your date’s body position can provide important clues about their interest,” Louanne said.
“If they consistently lean away from you, it indicates a desire to create physical distance and detach from the interaction.”
Finally, a sure sign of indifference is when a date is preoccupied or distracted by constantly looking at their phone or looking across the room (stock image)
The fifth sign to look out for is limited physical contact, when your date avoids any kind of touch and maintains physical distance.
“Physical touch is often an intimate and connecting gesture… Their reluctance to engage in physical touch indicates a lack of desire for more intimacy.”
When a spark is struck between two people, Louanne says, they often subconsciously mirror each other’s body language and expressions.
She suggested that if a date doesn’t reflect your movements, they aren’t keen on building a deeper connection as it doesn’t show rapport or compatibility.
Finally, a sure sign of indifference is when a date is preoccupied or distracted by constantly looking at their phone or looking across the room.
Their attention is elsewhere and they are not fully engaged or invested in the current interaction. This behavior shows a lack of respect and consideration for you,” she said.
By recognizing these seven signs, Louanne said, you can gain valuable insights into a date’s level of interest in you and adjust your expectations.
She said it’s normal that not every date results in mutual interest and that you shouldn’t be let down by it.
“The key is to be aware of these signals and use them as guidelines rather than definitive proof of disinterest.”
Louanne said recognizing the signs of disinterest can significantly impact your overall dating experience.
“It’s not just about determining if your date is interested or not; it’s about recognizing the broader implications for your own well-being and the potential for a healthy relationship,” she said.