Your boyfriend might be licking his lips when he looks at you because of a combination of desire and nervousness.
Decoding Lip-Licking: Desire & Nerves
According to body language expert Patti Wood, lip-licking can signify two main things:
- Anticipation of Desire: "We lick our lips in anticipation when we see something we desire," Wood states. This suggests that your boyfriend might find you very attractive and be expressing his desire through this action.
- Nervousness: Wood also explains that lip-licking can be a sign of nervousness. "When we get nervous, our saliva glands stop secreting, and our mouths get dry—leading to lip-licking." If your boyfriend gets flustered or a little shy when he looks at you, this could be why he's licking his lips.
Breakdown of the Potential Causes
Here's a more detailed look at each potential reason:
| Cause | Explanation | Associated Behaviors |
|---|---|---|
| Desire | He finds you attractive and is expressing his desire. | Smiling, prolonged eye contact, leaning in, slight blushing |
| Nervousness | He feels anxious, possibly due to heightened emotions while looking at you. | Avoiding eye contact, fiddling with his hands, fidgeting |
Understanding the Context
To better understand why he licks his lips, consider the context:
- Is it always when you make eye contact? Or is it during specific situations?
- What other body language is he displaying? Does he seem relaxed or tense?
- Has his behavior changed? Is this something new or has he always done it?
By observing these factors, you can gain a clearer picture of whether the lip licking is primarily driven by desire, nervousness, or a combination of both. It is worth noting that the reference states that the anticipation of desire "might even be making him feel uneasy". This could suggest a combination of those two potential reasons.
