For example, if you are trying to look unapproachable at school or work, cross your arms. This will send a nonverbal message that you do not want people to approach you. If you usually have your arms crossed, then this might not be very effective on its own. You might need to adjust your body in other ways.
To send a subtle signal to someone, relax your posture and slump slightly. To send a stronger signal, slump over as much as possible while sitting or standing, such as by resting your upper body on a desk or table, or rounding your shoulders and looking down at the floor. Keep in mind that if you normally have bad posture, this might not be effective on its own. You may need to do other things to look unapproachable.
Keep your face neutral if it is too hard to scowl or frown for a long period of time.
If you accidentally make eye contact, look away immediately. Then, turn and walk away to send an even stronger signal.
Make sure that you do not smile or indicate friendliness in another way. Keep your face neutral or scowl slightly as you stare. Do not talk very much or at all as you do this!
For example, if you are in a café, sit with your back to the wall and a table in front of you. If you are at work, sit behind a desk that faces the door or move your things so that you can work in a private room.
If you are in a restaurant, bar, or café and do not want to be approached, try sitting at a corner table away from other patrons. If you are at a dance or other social event, stand on the opposite side of the room from where most of the people are gathered.
For example, if you are at a dance or wedding, move to the center of the dance floor or join a large table of people. You don’t have to talk or interact with them if you don’t want to. Just join in the dancing or grab a seat at the table.
Even if you are very annoyed by the person, you can politely tell them you’d like to be left alone. You might say, “No thanks. I don’t want to talk. ”
For example, if someone approaches you and says, “Hi. My name is Todd. What’s your name?” Simply reply with your name and do not offer any other information. Be quiet and continue giving 1-word responses to their questions. After a few minutes of this, the conversation may reach a dead end and the person may leave. If the person continues to ask questions, try saying something like, “It was nice to meet you, but I have to get going. ” Then, say goodbye and leave.
For example, you could say something like, “My ex would hate this place. She was such a snob when it came to bars! If they didn’t have a fancy drink menu and mood lighting, I was in for a terrible night. There was this one time when she…” And continue to rant about your ex until the person has had enough and leaves. If this does not work either, try saying something like, “Well, thanks for listening to me, but I have to be on my way now! Goodbye!”
