Just a moment. If you’re sitting right now, there’s a good chance your legs are crossed, or your ankles are neatly tucked together.
You probably didn’t decide to do it consciously. The gesture is automatic, almost instinctive. Yet behind this seemingly harmless posture lies a surprising story—one that blends ancient traditions, deeply ingrained habits, and subtle signals our bodies sometimes try to send us.
A posture inherited from history… more than from comfort
For centuries, the way a woman sat was not simply a matter of comfort, but a true social code. In times when women’s trousers did not exist, long dresses required a certain restraint. Crossing the legs or keeping the ankles close together helped preserve modesty while remaining “proper” in the eyes of society.
This posture also reflected a way of occupying space. While men were encouraged to take up room and project confidence, women learned—often unconsciously—to make themselves smaller. Even today, whether in jeans or a tailored suit, this reflex persists, like a quiet echo of rules that are more than two hundred years old.
Why it feels so natural to many women
Beyond upbringing and social norms, there is also a physical component. For some women, crossing the legs creates a feeling of stability, particularly in the pelvic area. In the moment, this position can feel reassuring and comfortable, especially when sitting for long periods.
There is also an emotional dimension. Folding the limbs is often associated with a form of self-protection. Without even realizing it, the body adopts a posture that provides a sense of security, especially in formal or stressful environments.
What the body may feel over time
While this position may feel pleasant at first, holding it for hours is not always ideal. Prolonged leg crossing can create subtle postural imbalances. One hip ends up slightly higher than the other, which can lead to tension in the lower back or discomfort on one side of the body.
Some women also notice tingling or numbness after sitting this way for a long time—a sign that the body would like to change position. These are not alarming signals, but gentle invitations to move, stretch, or simply vary your posture.
The “queen” posture: simple and effective
Our grandmothers often shared advice filled with common sense. “Put your feet flat on the floor” wasn’t just a lesson in manners. Sitting with both feet flat, spaced about hip-width apart, allows for better weight distribution and promotes a more balanced posture.
This position also helps you feel more stable, lightly engages the core muscles, and creates a sense of grounding. Today, we would simply call it ergonomics—but the idea is the same: respecting how the body is naturally designed.
How to change without forcing yourself
If you’ve crossed your legs your whole life, there’s no need to stop overnight. The key is variety. For example, you can cross your ankles instead of your knees, which reduces tension while maintaining an elegant posture.
It’s also important to listen to your body. If you feel the urge to move, stand up for a few minutes, stretch, or change position. Sometimes, crossing your legs is simply a sign that the chair is too high. A small footrest can make all the difference.
What if we reclaimed the way we sit?
Crossing your legs is neither a mistake nor an obligation. It’s a habit shaped by history, culture, and personal sensation. But today, we have the freedom to choose what truly feels good for us.
In a daily life where we spend so much time sitting, perhaps the simplest gesture—placing both feet on the ground and taking a deep breath—is also a small act of everyday well-being and a seated posture that shows self-respect.
