we've all experienced it, whether in class, on the train, at the pub, library, or supermarket. you spot a fine lass/lad across the way, your eyes meet, maybe not...you can't tell. sometimes the moment just isn't right - you can't tell, and within seconds the window of opportunity has shut. but she/he's
special - you have to say something...you HAVE TO...and then, you notice that she/he coughs distinctly three times, then touches her/his right ear, and stands in place. was it chance? or are they privvy to the USIGS? cuz if they are, they just let you know they want you to come home with them immediately.
the USIGS is a universal system (under development), which should be widely disseminated among the proles. it consists of various subtle gesture combinations, which, viewed from afar are meaningless, but to those aware of the system deliver predetermined messages to the onlooker. there are a number of problems that need to be fleshed out, for instance, if more than one person is focused on you, to which person are you sending the message? my initial solution to this problem is providing that the gesture-maker makes an effort to make SOME add'l eye contact w/ the object of desire if it's crowded. all in all, the USIGS has promise (see examples below):
E X A M P L E S
cough x 3, hand to ear: come home with me immediately
faux sneeze x 2, hand to forehead, fingers through hair: i have an extensive collection of soul music which i'd like to share with you
left hand scratches right shoulder for unnatural period of time: perhaps you should come have a word with me
the system can be both a system for invitation, as demonstrated above, or a defensive system (i.e. avert definite disappointment):
both hands rub face simultaneously, as hands pull away fingers interlock: i'm taken dork
tip of thumb is bitten lightly: i'm utterly uninterested
left hand index and middle finger crossed, right hand thumb raised up: i'm gay.
see? promising!