The Nonverbal Communication of Sexual Interest

This chapter primarily covers the nonverbal expression of sexual interest in cisgender, heterosexual individuals, from their libidinal urges to their post-sex behaviors, with a major focus on flirtation. The focus on flirtation necessitates consideration of the theoretical frameworks and methodological issues that might elucidate, cloud, or distort a true understanding of this domain of scientific inquiry. In part 1, a new framework for defining and discussing gender differences in the human courtship sequence (e.g., expressions of sexual interest or flirting) is offered. In part 2, historical and contemporary research pertaining to how sexual interest is nonverbally expressed and gender differences in the same are discussed in the following areas: sex drive; flirtation; sexual arousal; consent to sex; sex activity; the orgasm gap; and post-copulation. Findings pertaining to non-heterosexual individuals are integrated within each of the covered areas, unless they were extensive enough to warrant separate treatment, which was the case with flirtation and sexual consent.