by J.B. Doyle

Created on: June 25, 2010

Whether intentional or unintentional, nonverbal communication is an important aspect of interpersonal communication. Although the spoken word is the most obvious tool in communication, what is said without words speaks volumes. Although we recognize nonverbal postures in animals, we may not always recognize them in ourselves or our human counterparts. The unspoken gestures and expressions of the face and body can be responsible for as much as 93 percent of overall communication. (Hybels and Weaver, p 132). Nonverbal communication is used in every aspect of our daily lives from walking down the street to dealing with others in the workplace to communicating with loved ones in the home. In the following pages, I will explore the behaviors that occur in romantic relationships and close, personal interactions.

Nonverbal communication is any method of conveying thoughts, feelings, and expressions without words, sometimes summarized in the term body language. (American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, n.d.). Nonverbal communication can include physical gestures, such as making the “okay” sign by forming a circle with the thumb and first finger held together while the other fingers are held straight up. Facial movement, such as rolling the eyes sarcastically is another example. Leaning over someone and looking down upon them is a nonverbal communication via body language suggesting a threat or exhibiting dominance over another.

In western culture, it is common knowledge that men are expected to be more stoic in their emotions. Generally, men learn to hide their feelings. Men are expected to be strong, independent, and confident. Emotional cues they display are more likely to be in the form of physical posture and actions. They work to achieve a powerful appearance. Conversely, women are more conditioned to show emotion. They are more often raised to be supportive of others, emotionally responsive, and are generally freer to express themselves via their emotions than men. This gender-specific information is especially evident in rural areas such as the one I live in. Traditional roles for men and women seem more common here, although traditional roles are changing.

Although women in our culture have made great strides in equality over the last century, the nonverbal signals used by them during the dating process are decidedly different from those of men. (Hybels and Weaver, p 136). While men still seem to have the advantage in the business

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