What is the Shape of your Heart... ( Archived) (51)

There is much communication without words.

Good Communication Skills: How do you communicate?

Here’s a brief list of how you might be communicating with your partner even when you’re not talking:

~Tone of voice. The real message is not in the words, but in how they are spoken.

~Facial expression. Your face can reveal most of your emotions, including acceptance and judgment.

~Eye contact. Your eyes tell others whether or not you’re interested in what they have to say. When you’re mad or disgusted with your partner, you may avoid or prematurely break eye contact.

~Touch. Different types of touch convey a wide range of messages and feelings. Touch can be an effective way to communicate warmth and love.

~Silence. You can say a great deal by remaining silent. Deciding not to speak when your partner needs a hug can be extra supportive and can let him/her know that you’re really listening; withholding words when your partner needs to hear a loving sentiment sends the opposite message.

~Gestures. “Talking” with your hands, widening your eyes, lifting your eyebrows, etc., can add emphasis to your message.

~Body Language. Crossing your arms when feeling judgmental or turning away from your partner when you become defensive are just two examples of how our bodies speak for us.

~Interpersonal Distance. The physical distance you place between you and your lover sends an important message. You might move away from your partner when you’re frustrated with her/him or move closer when you’re offering support or listening intently.
What is your non-verbal communication style?

Some people use touch to convey emotion. Still others express a great deal in their tone of voice and body language. Do you rely on a particular form of nonverbal communication? Would it enrich your relationship to add one of the nonverbal forms of communication in the list above to your relationship toolbox? If so, try adding just one method and practice it often. Before you know it, it will become an automatic part of your communication repertoire. Start slowly and gradually, especially if your partner isn’t used to you acting in a certain way.

For instance, if you plan on increasing the amount of touch in your relationship to demonstrate more affection, start by holding your partner’s hand while watching TV. Or while conversing over dinner, you can casually touch her forearm at some point in the discussion to emphasize your reaction. Small behaviors such as touch are powerful and, over time, improve the emotional climate of your relationship.

An important step in effective communication is to begin to notice your body language—you may be speaking volumes with your body without even realizing it.

Here’s to effective communication!

Dr. Rich Nicastro

If I don't very much like what I see, all the time...then "no go"...

that would be attraction at first sight, it takes me at least a year of knowing someone before I have an idea of how I feel about them.

I'm a hopeless romantic and believe in love at first sight, i have seen it , and experrienced it.

It is pure attraction...sometimes you don't even get to meet them...someone at an office party...or the theatre...but you remember them for quite a while after...

I get vibes from people, and can read body language, to see him, I have read him already. I have never grown to love someone, it has always ween "Like" at first sight...If no Like Not Interested...

YOU ARE NOT WELCOME ON MY THREADS...Please Leave, and don't come back...