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The You Code: What Your Habits Say About You
The only book to tell you what your habits say about you, and how to read other people Did you know that the way you eat your food will be sending subliminal messages out about your sexual habits, or that the way you decorate your desk could be helping your boss decide about that promotion or raise? We're all aware of the subtle messages of design and marketing but we also regularly send out signals about ourselves and our personalities. This book helps readers to uncover the hidden meaning behind the simplest of choices. Addictive and entertaining, it pulls no punches, telling you more about yourself than you ever wanted to know, as well as providing an intriguing insight into the people around you. From your favorite television show to the type of coffee you drink, even down to the filling in your sandwich, this is a must for anyone who wants to find the meanings behind the details, and, more importantly, what what clues they're giving the world about themselves.
- GenresNonfictionPsychology
322 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
15 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 4, 2011
I was disappointed in this book. I wanted to like it, I really did. It mentioned my favourite past times: reading, television, and drinking coffee.
Why I was disappointed: options were missing.
For instance, I'm a coffee drinker but I drink regular coffee with a drop of milk. That wasn't an option. And under the 'What your mantelpiece says about you' the option for bare and well-dusted wasn't an option.
What about a normal, well-made bed under the 'What your bed says about you'.
And, the information under each option is often rude.
For instance, under the option of drinking Earl Grey tea (my favorite): "...drinks do have an air of superiority but they're also those who prefer their gratification delayed, rather than instant because the 'delicate' flavour of this tea can take several samplings before it can be enjoyed."
Or, under Lapsang Souchong: "...how precious are you? How Special? Not very is the likely answer but you clearly like to think so."
For a wonderful book on reading people, try Reading People by Wendy Patrick Mazzarella and Jo-Ellan Dimitrius.
Why I was disappointed: options were missing.
For instance, I'm a coffee drinker but I drink regular coffee with a drop of milk. That wasn't an option. And under the 'What your mantelpiece says about you' the option for bare and well-dusted wasn't an option.
What about a normal, well-made bed under the 'What your bed says about you'.
And, the information under each option is often rude.
For instance, under the option of drinking Earl Grey tea (my favorite): "...drinks do have an air of superiority but they're also those who prefer their gratification delayed, rather than instant because the 'delicate' flavour of this tea can take several samplings before it can be enjoyed."
Or, under Lapsang Souchong: "...how precious are you? How Special? Not very is the likely answer but you clearly like to think so."
For a wonderful book on reading people, try Reading People by Wendy Patrick Mazzarella and Jo-Ellan Dimitrius.
October 3, 2012
The cover beckoned me as I trotted through the library : intriguing front cover design and the back cover had promising feedback from the likes of the Telegraph and Sunday Times.
What a disappointment when I actually sat down to read it. Her observations - although amusingly categorised - seem to be mostly scornful and without any scientific/factual basis.
Such a shame - tho I will try her 'Body Language Bible' book and see if that is more my cup of builders-tea!!
February 6, 2010
This book claims to teach its readers about body language, to explain 'hidden meanings' behind our habits and choices, and to help us understand our friends and colleagues better through observing them.
Unfortunately, it barely scraped the surface of body language; instead it provided a lengthy list of stereotypes that were hardly revealing or unexpected. Some were obvious (someone middle-aged with spiky hair probably wants to appear either shocking or aggressive... well duh!), some were rather Freudian (someone who sucks their pen is hankering after suckling) and some were just silly (drinking tap water means one is uncreative?)
As one who almost never buys coffee out and wouldn't dream of taking a Starbucks or similar to the office, who doesn't drink tea, or watch TV, and for whom a significant number of the other categories didn't apply, it was a book to skim, and roll my eyes, and rather wish I hadn't bothered. Yes, some parts were faintly amusing; but there really wasn't anything that couldn't be found in the back of a women's magazine in one of those silly quizzes - like 'What does your Handbag say about you?'
Indeed, this book felt more than anything like a compilation of silly magazine quizzes rather than anything to be taken seriously. I didn't learn anything new about myself since most of the categories either didn't apply or were incorrect, and I certainly didn't learn anything new about any of my friends. As for learning to appear to better advantage... there was nothing new in there at all.
Not recommended.
Unfortunately, it barely scraped the surface of body language; instead it provided a lengthy list of stereotypes that were hardly revealing or unexpected. Some were obvious (someone middle-aged with spiky hair probably wants to appear either shocking or aggressive... well duh!), some were rather Freudian (someone who sucks their pen is hankering after suckling) and some were just silly (drinking tap water means one is uncreative?)
As one who almost never buys coffee out and wouldn't dream of taking a Starbucks or similar to the office, who doesn't drink tea, or watch TV, and for whom a significant number of the other categories didn't apply, it was a book to skim, and roll my eyes, and rather wish I hadn't bothered. Yes, some parts were faintly amusing; but there really wasn't anything that couldn't be found in the back of a women's magazine in one of those silly quizzes - like 'What does your Handbag say about you?'
Indeed, this book felt more than anything like a compilation of silly magazine quizzes rather than anything to be taken seriously. I didn't learn anything new about myself since most of the categories either didn't apply or were incorrect, and I certainly didn't learn anything new about any of my friends. As for learning to appear to better advantage... there was nothing new in there at all.
Not recommended.
January 13, 2011
Body language expert Judi James explains the hidden meanings behind our habits, our choices and even the way we carry out everyday tasks. The choices that we make reveal a great deal about our inner psyche. The magazines we read, the coffee we drink, the shoes we wear, even the ringtones on our cellphones, all give out hidden messages. The You Code reveals the meaning behind our choices and what our habits inadvertently convey to other people. A highly entertaining read, The You Code is also a useful tool in helping to assess the mindset of your friends, workmates and potential mates, without having to ask a single question.
June 7, 2011
I bought and read it because my friend who was majoring in Psychology said that she wanted to read it (but she didn't tell me what to expect from it). I liked it at first but as I finished the book, I felt that there was something lacking in it.
What I liked:
(a) Most of my habits really correspond to what I want people to see in me
What I disliked:
(a) Choices were not enough. Sometimes what you like is not one of those choices that were explained
(b) It would have been better if it was illustrated (like some body language books)
(c) there were parts that bored me.
What I liked:
(a) Most of my habits really correspond to what I want people to see in me
What I disliked:
(a) Choices were not enough. Sometimes what you like is not one of those choices that were explained
(b) It would have been better if it was illustrated (like some body language books)
(c) there were parts that bored me.
February 11, 2014
Well, I am not British so most of these descriptions don't really match mine with different cultural background etc. However, I find it as a new knowledge and will sure to check out the list when I found someone who's a bit of interesting in my way ^_^
Read
January 1, 2011Not sure if these are scientifically backed observations or conslusions of author herself.
December 14, 2013
What a load of crap. Don't waste your time and money.
December 16, 2011
What is missing?
May 19, 2013
probably the worst book i've read so far in 2013.
June 2, 2013
I didn't really like the book it was kinda rude
Read
July 9, 2013Unfortunately not as expected
Currently reading
February 12, 2014Quite disappointing to this book.. Because talk about so many negative things, whereas people got always have the positive things..
May 30, 2015
Entertaining, but I think it's more fiction then fact!
Read
April 22, 2013Tedious
May 20, 2013
Its a good book, but not my favourite.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews