Laying about on the sofa is something we all do, but if you have a favourite position with your partner it could say a lot about your relationship. Whether you prefer to sit at either ends of the couch, or prop your legs up on them, body language expert Dr Georgina Barnett revealed what this says about you as a couple.
A study of 2,000 adults, by sofa and carpet specialist ScS, found the most popular sitting position is in fact relaxing on different sofas. Sitting on a separate couch was preferred by 37 percent of British couples, so if you’ve ever been playing a game on your phone while your other half is binge-watching a series, you’re not alone.
Dale Gillespie, head of acquisition at ScS, said:
It’s interesting to see that something as simple as the way we relax might reveal something about our relationships.
Odds are, you’re sat on the sofa right now as you’re reading this so, if you’re with a significant other, check if you’re sat in any of these top positions to see if you agree!”
Dr Barnett says this position is much more common on long-term couples, so if you’re reading a book on one and your hubby is watching football on the other – welcome to middle-age.
She says:
“It does not necessarily indicate any problems, but rather a couple that has grown used to each other over the years.
However, the lack of proximity in this position can indicate that the couple have become indifferent towards each other, or possibly that they have fallen into leading separate lives.”
2. Legs On Laps(20%)
In second place is one person resting their legs on another person’s lap.While this may seem like a relaxed pose, Dr Barnett said it could signify something more worrying.
She said:
“Whoever has their legs on their partner is the one in control. The person with their legs over their partner is to some degree demanding attention and has the dominant position – possibly in the relationship, as well as in the moment.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom, as she added:
“This position usually indicates a happy relationship, signifying a couple that are comfortable with each other.”
Another common pose, Dr Barnett said this shows a “happy and contented couple”.
She added:
“They may not be in the first flush of passion, but they are connected and seeking to maintain contact with each other.
Couples who sit in this position have confidence in the relationship and have a level of trust that allows for a healthy amount of space. There is intimacy combined with freedom.”
4. Opposite Sides Of The Sofa (16%)
This position is often referred to as the “bookends”, and indicates some frostiness in the relationship, as it visually shows how far apart a couple has drifted.
Dr Barnett said:
“It usually indicates a couple that has become detached. Taking a seat at the opposite end from the other can be a protest behaviour to try and make a point following a row.
However, in the absence of conflict, if this is a regular seating position it suggests the couple might have grown apart, especially if they used to sit closer together.
This is even more serious if both have their legs crossed pointing away from each other.”
5. Cuddling In The Corner (12%)
Again this might seem like a loved-up pose, but Dr Barnett warned there could be underlying power struggles.
She said:
“There is closeness in this relationship, but this position can also signify a power differential in the relationship.
