While out and about my business Sunday afternoon in Flower Mound, Texas, I came upon this bull. They say 90% of communication consists of body langauge and this bull was out to teach me a lesson!
In the beginning, I was merely trying to get a photo of this magnificent animal. I had just closed my car door with camera in hand. The bull was obviously, going about his own business - until he noticed me.
The bull was either in the middle of lunch or needing an energy boost. I figured I was no threat and that he was okay with me standing about 2 feet away - besides, there was a fence between us, so that was okay, right?
Human nature tells you, showing teeth is NEVER a good sign - I stood there there anyways, snapping my camera taking Action. (All photos are in the sequence of what happened next.)
By now, the bull was showing some signs of irritation, after all, I was in his turf and not backing off.
In looking back at the photo frames, notice the eye, nose, tongue, feet stance, right and left horn pointed at me. I think this bull is saying, "I can't believe she's not backing off.... I better show her what I've got!"
Now they say sticking your tongue out is childish behavior - Storytellers have told us many stories that involved the use of the tongue and how you better beware. Remember "Little Red Riding Hood?"
Squinting eyes is never a good sign either. By now, I wasn't sure if this bull was saying, "You're not even worthy to look at me!" (Or was he sizing me up for lunch...)
I noticed the ear was keenly listening and the horns were moving. Although there was a great deal of stillness in the head, the rest of the body was speaking volumes!
Finally, the bull turned his head away from me - but was I safe?
Was he giving me that over the shoulder look?
I decided to walk in front of the bull and here's what happened...
We were squared off and he sized me up once and for good. The tension around his eyes was telling me, there's Power in Domination and if you're up to the challenge, so am I!
CHARGE! THE FOOT IS A POWERFUL INDICATOR WHEN THINGS AREN'T RIGHT!
The moral of the story is, we are ALL animals. We may not speak the same language, but when it comes to body language, there is a lot of similarities. Cultural diversity may have many differences, but when it comes to human behavior, there's an aggressive side to everyone.
A lot of dominance can be seen in the face but there's a powerful force of aggression in every part of the body. Eye staring, gazing, squinting, glancing over the shoulder, swift body movement, twitching, and kicking are just a few signs to watch out for. Invading one's space can be perceived as disrespect. Showing superiority can be used for or against you. Sometimes it's best to walk away... that's exactly what I did!
Body langague ain't no bull! Awareness is knowledge. Knowledge is power.
© Photos and story by Patricia Feager, 4/30/2012. Not to be copied or reproduced without permission from the author.
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