Watch the context

When trying to interpret body language, the context is everything. The meaning of body language could depend on: - Your relationship with the other person including the degree of dominance, submission or even attraction, - What is being said at the time, - The reason for the interaction such as business or leisure, - The setting of the interaction. So, a person with their arms folded over their chest could be communicating anything from "I'm cold" to "I feel defensive” to "I have sore arms” all depending on the situation.