Cheryl Reimold, an authority about body language, once said, “If you stand up to address a seated person, you gain height and a certain amount of temporary power. But if you face a person directly, on his level (whether sitting or standing), you are more likely to establish communication.”

Queen Victoria knew that.

The queen and her husband, Prince Albert, quarreled about something early in their marriage. Albert walked out of the room and went to his private quarters. Victoria followed, found the door locked, and began pounding on it.

“Who’s there?” Prince Albert asked.

“The Queen of England,” was the reply. But the door remained locked.

More pounding followed, but then there was a pause. The next sound was that of a gently tap.

“Who’s there?” Albert inquired.

The queen’s reply: “Your wife, Albert.”

Prince Albert opened the door immediately.

Faber Book of Anecdotes, Bits & Pieces, November 10, 1994, pp. 6-7