【听力素材】如何把约会的尴尬变成吸引力?

NB: This may not be a word-for-word trascript

How to Turn Awkwardness into Attraction?

Have you ever been on a first date where you ran out of topics to discuss and it made the rest of the date awkward and you noticed your date being distant, or maybe you had an awkward, fidgety conversation with your crush? If so, you're probably wondering how to turn this awkward situation into attraction. Here are five ways.

 

Number one, mirroring their actions. Have you ever found yourself or others imitating the actions of their company? This could be a sign that the imitator shows a liking towards them. Studies have shown that subtly imitating another person's actions and behaviors helps to create social bonds and maybe even romantic ones. People tend to find their partners more attractive if the other mimics their own verbal or nonverbal behavior. For example, sipping a glass of water, or leaning against the wall when your partner does it. So the next time you get stuck in an awkward conversation, subtly mirroring your partner's actions could help release tension and make you feel more comfortable with each other. 

Number two, engage in eye contact. In romantic movies, couples are usually portrayer gazing into each other's eyes. This is no different than in real life. Occasional eye contact between two individuals has been known to bring people closer together. So when you feel like a conversation is going nowhere, gaze into your partner's eyes occasionally to show them you are interested and attentive. Who knows, it could be the start of a long lasting romantic relationship.

Number three, use open body language. Often, body language can tell a lot about a person and affect how the other person behaves in your company. Closed body language, like crossing your arms, may give off a feeling that you're mentally closed off, making conversations difficult and awkward. This could lead your partner to think that you're not interested in them. Keeping your abdomen, torso, or chest open are examples of open body language that can increase your attractiveness, as it portrays availability and confidence, thus making others more comfortable and trusting around you. 

Number four, laugh off the situation. Have you ever made an awkward comment that made the atmosphere heavy or uncomfortable? If so, joking and laughing off the remark can help turn the situation around, because humor is a highly valued quality in others. In fact, such humor could be considered a powerful tool to overcome dissimilarities and attitudes between two individuals. Humor helps to maintain a relationship despite differences of opinion that may make things tense. It also creates a loving bond between both individuals and increased attraction towards each other. Remember, the use of jokes is no laughing matter. 

Number five, apologize and make amends when necessary. Have you ever made a mistake around your partner or crash? Maybe you were late to meet up, or some other small mistake. It can make situations awkward, as such behavior could be viewed negatively, but apologizing when needed demonstrates accountability and responsibility, both of which are important traits when it comes to romantic relationships. This gives your partner a sense of trust and assurance, making you seem more attractive in the process. 

So did these five methods help you out? Remember that awkwardness is bound to happen throughout your life. We're all human after all, and we're not perfect. Take it in stride, laugh it off, or find some other method that works for you.