Body Language-How Would You Interpret?

[Scarlett]

I am rubbish at this so I wondered what you thought. Imagine you meet someone and spend a few hours with them one to one, and get on well. Then you have a second meeting a week later (after a few emails) only this time they struggle to make eye contact but still smile a lot- they look a bit shy or embarrassed. Do you think that this is because they like you, or that they THINK you like them, and are wary or embarrassed by this? If you struggled to make eye contact with someone, why would it be? It's a boy with the eye contact thing, and a girl asking the question, if that makes any difference!

[237SJ]

Well I would say that he fancies you a little bit but feels uncomfortable about it.

[boxtops]

.. but if so, the purpose of meeting is to take the project forward, not to date - so surely you can both just get on with that job professionally, without having to wonder whether you like each other?

(Age doesn't come into it, btw - being a lot older than male partners is not uncommon these days!)

[woofgang]

I would have said that was way too far for a first meeting....but i am not a tactile person!

[Scarlett]

We're dealing with luvvies here, though!! Tactile breed!!

[solvitquick]

I think you are over-analysing things Scarlett. The tactile thing does't seem overdone if the hug was a light one rather than a big squeeze. The double-handed handshake can be a sign of sincerity or confirmation of friendship.
I've used both at times with men and women, just as a sign of friendship, thanks, goodbye etc., when it seemed appropriate.
Forget the contrast between the 2 meetings - he seems as confused as you as to where it's all going.
Are you the making a problem from nothing, Scarlett, with your hook-up on body language and eye contact? Were you overdoing the attempt at eye-contact to the extent that he felt stared at? Constant unrelenting eye contact seems abnormal to me - try looking around and at your meal etc.
If you need to meet regularly then go ahead but just leave out the analysis and see what happens like two adults. If he oversteps the mark set by you let him know at once and work out what happens then.
No-one has asked so hear goes: do you fancy him?
Finally my major criterion whatever the relationship is always:
Do they smile with their eyes? If not don't trust them.
Best Wishes Scarlett,
SIQ.

[Elina]

If I was struggling to make eye contact it would be because I was attracted to them & stuck for what to say. Are you attracted to him?

[Scarlett]

A bit but would always attempt to hide it cos of age difference.

[Elina]

Well Scarlet, you'll have to let us know if indeed he was being flirty! ;0)