If you cross your legs when you sit, psychology says you probably have these 5 common traits

As surprising as it may seem, the way we sit can reveal a lot about how we feel in certain situations. Body language is our body’s way of expressing emotions and thoughts – from nervous hand movements to unconscious facial expressions or the constant bouncing of a leg.

Everything counts, and our sitting posture can also give away valuable clues, according to experts at 20 Minutos. Depending on the setting, the way we position our legs can transmit subtle information that, if you know how to read it, can speak volumes about both ourselves and others.

What our sitting gestures convey

There are several ways of sitting: some people keep their legs apart – a gesture strongly associated with men – while others cross their legs at the knees or only at the ankles, a posture more commonly linked to women, though not always for gender reasons.

1. Psychological wall

Someone who crosses their legs at the ankles in front of others – whether in a job interview, on the subway, or at a family gathering – is unconsciously building an invisible barrier. It’s a defensive mechanism, often signalling insecurity or discomfort, to shield themselves from those around them.

2. Emotional closure

Crossing the legs at the knees in someone’s presence can indicate an unwillingness to open up emotionally. The body is using this simple gesture as a shield to protect personal feelings and thoughts.

3. Insecurity or comfort

This posture can mean two things, depending on movement. If the person is rigid and keeps both legs still, they may be feeling insecure or nervous, crossing their legs to project a false sense of control. But if the bent leg swings gently from side to side, it can signal comfort – combined with a naturally reserved personality.

4. Authority

Crossing the legs at the ankles can also project control and a sense of superiority. In the right context, it can convey authority over the situation.

5. Concentration

When someone crosses their legs while focusing on something, it may indicate they are relaxed and engaged. It’s a comfortable posture that frees the mind to concentrate more fully.

Gender roles and posture

Step onto a subway car and observe passengers: most men will be sitting with their legs apart, while most women have their knees or ankles crossed.

While there are many exceptions, gender roles have historically influenced the meaning of these postures. Men often sit with legs spread wide – a stance known as “manspreading” – as a display of dominance and control, taking up more space than necessary, a behavior repeated across generations.

Women, on the other hand, have tended to sit with legs crossed, a posture also rooted in historical norms. Crossing the knees has long been associated with modesty and consideration for others, taking up as little space as possible and avoiding discomfort to those nearby.

These gender-linked patterns are not hard rules. In reality, sitting posture is often shaped by a person’s feelings and emotions at a given moment – frequently independent of their gender.

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