When we interact with other people，we use words as well as body language （express）our thoughts and opinions. Important as words are，body language can also give us （inform）about people's feelings. However，body language means（different）in different countries. Take "making eye contact" as example. In some countries it is a way to display interest，in many Middle Eastern countries，men and women are not socially permitted to make eye contact. The gesture for"OK"
（vary）from culture to culture. In Japan，people might think it means money while in France，people may interpret it as meaning zero.
Some gestures seem to have the same（mean） everywhere. Placing your hands together and resting them on the side of your head while（close）your eyes means "sleep".
Some body language has many different uses. A smile can help us getdifficult situations and find friends in a world of strangers. We can use a smile to apologise，to greet someone，to ask for help，or to start a conversation. Experts suggest smiling at（you）in the mirror to make yourself feel happier and stronger.
