Dating in the modern world is often a minefield.
Thanks to the creation of apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Hinge, looking for a date is often just a swipe away from us - meaning that, in theory, looking for love should be easier than ever.
Unfortunately it doesn't always work out that way, with most of us spending ages swiping through dozens of profiles and suffering the excruciating small talk before finally securing a date.
Things don't become much easier once the conversation moves into the real world either, as first dates often end up with both of you sat in awkward silence after realising you don't have much in common.
Looking to make sure you're not wasting time on a bad first date? Australian dating expert Louanne Ward has revealed some body language red flags you should look out for.
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Sharing the advice on her Instagram account - @louanneward - the matchmaker detailed seven 'tell-tale' signs that someone isn't interested in you.
Closed arms
One of the easiest ones to spot is closed arms, with Louanne writing that crossed arms are a key sign that someone has closed themselves off to you.
"Crossed arms create a barrier, suggesting a defensive and closed-off attitude," she said.
Leaning away
Leaning away is another sign, with the action showing that someone is subconsciously trying to distance themselves from you.
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"If they consistently lean away from you, it signifies a desire to create physical distance and disengage," Louanne explained.
Minimal eye contact
Making eye contact with others, especially during intense scenarios can feel a little daunting - but looking into your date's eyes is an important sign that you're into them.
Avoiding eye contact or constantly looking away can indicate a 'lack of interest or discomfort' in someone.
Lack of engagement
Having a conversation with someone shouldn't feel difficult or one-sided, if it does this is another sign someone isn't interested in getting to know you. Louanne said that an uninterested person may show this by 'not actively participating in the conversation, offering short or monosyllabic responses, or seeming distracted'.
Limited touch
Physical touch is an important way of building a romantic connection with someone. Granted some people may not be overly comfortable with physical touch, but it can be a key sign of disinterest.
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Louanne noted that anyone actively trying to avoid touch or keep a distance from you could well be showing their lack of interest.
Absence of mirroring
According to Louanne, when we're interested we 'tend to mirror the body language of the other person subconsciously'. Therefore a lack of mirroring can reveal the absence of an emotional connection.
Preoccupation
Seeing someone pull out their phone on a date is a clear indicator that the date is going south. Louanne added that a person who's more interested in checking their phone or looking around the room has a 'disinterest in the current interaction'.
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The dating expert concluded her post by writing: "Remember, while these body language cues may indicate disinterest, it’s essential to consider them in conjunction with verbal communication and the overall context.
"If you observe several of these signs, it might be time to gracefully move on and find someone who truly appreciates your company!"
Topics: Dating trends, Sex and Relationships
Brenna Cooper