Nonverbal Communication Cues In Dating or Partnership

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Nonverbal Communication Cues In Dating or Partnership

 

Communication is the basis for every relationship, and nonverbal communication cues are a big part of it. We often forget that communication is not only the things we say and hear. It is far more than that, and as a result, we frequently suffer in certain relationships and situations. Not knowing why you feel uncomfortable or stressed even though a person is not saying anything harmful to you could be quite confusing. Oftentimes, the answer can be found in nonverbal communication cues. 

In this article, we will explain why nonverbal communication has such an impact on us and share examples of nonverbal communication cues with you. Also, you will learn how to read these cues and their meaning, so let’s dive into them straight away. Shall we? 

 

What is Nonverbal Communication?

Experts say that around 80% of our communication is actually nonverbal. In a way, we can say that for every sentence you speak, you’ve already given four nonverbal communication cues to the person or group listening to you. Unlike talking and listening, nonverbal communication doesn’t require our conscious decision to express itself. 

For instance, you might be on the first date with the person you’ve been thinking about for a while. You are saying the right things and trying to remain calm. However, your left leg is restless, your hands are sweating, and you suddenly sense that the room temperature is too high. These are all examples of nonverbal communication that provide information on how we feel about a certain situation or person. 

 

Examples of Nonverbal Communication Cues

Nonverbal communication cues can be divided into a few categories. The ones we are most aware of are probably facial expressions, followed by gestures, postures, eye behavior, touch, body movements, and use of space. 

 

Facial Expressions 

Both children and adults make facial expressions based on how they feel about something. Teenagers learn to control their facial expressions so they don’t reveal too much. 

Examples of facial expressions are:

  • Smiling 
  • Frowning 
  • Raised eyebrows
  • Avoiding eye contact 

 

Gestures

Gestures are most notable when we meet someone or are listening to them speak. When we greet someone, we’re very focused on the way they respond to seeing us. Are they happy to see us or not? We draw a conclusion through their gestures.

Examples of gestures are:

  • Nodding 
  • Shaking head 
  • Thumbs up 
  • Waving 

 

Postures

You’ve probably thought about your posture during long business meetings, lectures, or any other situation in which you’ve been more passive than active. If a person enters the room with a straight posture and stands tall next to you, they express confidence and authority that way. If that same person entered the room with their head down, looking at the floor, this wouldn’t be an example of confident behavior. 

Examples of postures are:

  • Leaning forward
  • Crossing arms 
  • Standing tall 
  • Slouching 

 

Eye Behavior 

This is maybe one of the most intimate nonverbal communication cues of all, as it requires you to be close to the person to see their eye behavior. For instance, you might want to pay attention to your friend’s eye behavior when asking if they’ve shared your secret with someone else. 

Examples of eye behavior are: 

  • Direct eye contact
  • Staring
  • Rapid blinking
  • Looking away

 

Touch 

Although we think of touch when talking about intimate relationships, it can also be a part of your professional life. Shaking hands with coworkers and new business partners can reveal a lot about you. On the other hand, touch can give a person so much information on a first date. Did you shake hands or hug at the end of your date? 

Examples of platonic touch are:

  • Handshakes 
  • Patting on the back or shoulder
  • Hugging 
  • Tapping someone on the shoulder

 

Body Movements 

Body language allows us to express ourselves in so many ways, and one of them is through body movements. These body movements differ from our conscious movements, such as walking, reaching out for something, or raising our hands to ask a question. 

Although the way we do all these things also contains valuable information, body movements refer to the following: 

  • Shrugging shoulders 
  • Tapping fingers 
  • Pacing 

 

Use of Space

The way someone uses the space between you or your group will tell you a lot about how comfortable they feel or how much they trust you. Even on professional occasions, you can use these nonverbal communication cues to understand the other person better. 

These are the ways a person can use space: 

  • Standing close
  • Keeping distance
  • Encroaching on personal space

 

How to Read Nonverbal Communication Cues

If all this information is new to you, don’t worry. Reading nonverbal communication cues is a skill that everyone can learn. At first, it might take you some time to pick up this habit when interacting with other people, especially when you’re meeting a new person. Also, this skill will be quite beneficial if you’re going through a rough patch with your romantic partner and you want to understand them beyond the words they speak.

So, the first thing you’ll need to do to learn to read nonverbal communication is to speak less and listen more. When you’re not talking, you have more energy and time to focus on the other person. If they are shy, ask them a question and analyze their body language. Are they playing with their fingers? Do they adjust their hair every few minutes? How is their posture while sitting with you? Do they look directly into your eyes, or are they looking away?

All these answers can help you understand how the person feels in the situation. For instance, your dating partner might say all the right words, yet something feels off to you. Although they say they want to meet you again, they maintain distance, cross their arms, and are looking all around, except at you. This could mean that they are potentially not as interested as they portrayed. With time and curiosity, you will be able to read all these cues. Until then, you can ask what the other is thinking. 

 

Quality Communication Helps Strengthen Connection

Once you start paying attention to people interacting with you, whether it’s in your personal or professional life, you will notice how your relationships grow. If you’ve only been focused on a portion of communication between you and your partner, friends, or family, you’ve also been missing a lot of information. Maybe somebody is uncomfortable with your tone and doesn’t know how to say it to you. 

Reading their nonverbal communication cues can help reduce the tension between you and the other person. As soon as you focus more on their body language instead of just what they are saying, you will be able to understand people better and connect with them on a more meaningful level. 

To begin the communication journey at home, learn to get connected.

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