Skip to content

Girls Quote by Deborah Tannen

“At every age, the girls and women sit closer to each other and look at each other directly. At every age, the boys and men sit at angles to each other—in one case, almost parallel—and never look directly into each other's faces.” quote by Deborah Tannen
Download Open image
““At every age, the girls and women sit closer to each other and look at each other directly. At every age, the boys and men sit at angles to each other—in one case, almost parallel—and never look directly into each other's faces.””

Deborah Tannen

About This Quote

Source Book: You Just Don't Understand, Deborah Tannen, 1990

Women tend to sit close and make eye contact, while men keep distance and avoid direct gaze.

In simple terms: Different seating reflects gender communication styles.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and bridge gender interaction gaps.

Themes

communication gender social dynamics

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

observational educational

When to use this quote

  • classroom discussions
  • business meetings
  • social gatherings

Key Concepts

proxemics eye contact power distance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do these habits affect collaboration?
  • Can seating arrangements be altered to improve dialogue?
A Different Perspective

Cultural norms may override these patterns.

4.7 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Deborah Tannen

Explore all 71 Deborah Tannen quotes

More Girls quotes

Browse all 3,029 Girls quotes