Week 9 Blog

    Non-verbal communication, this was the topic of our discussions in class this week. We have mentioned before in my past blogs and in past class discussions that communication is crucial in having a healthy marriage and relationship, and non-verbal communication plays a specific role in having good communication within a relationship or marriage. Wikipedia defines non-verbal communication as "communication is the transmission of messages or signals through a nonverbal platform such as eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, posture, and the distance between two individuals." Since non-verbal communication does not involve actually speaking, that is why it is so important to learn how to give off positive verbal signs and be able to read others verbal signs accurately.

    Tone of voice is a big factor when it comes to non-verbal communication. For example, when you say something with sarcasm you are meaning the literal opposite of what you say. Sarcasm can also hurt people more than we think sometimes. Or talking down to someone in a rude demeaning manner can also cause someone to feel hurt. When in a relationship or marriage having clear communication, and having respect in the communication is super important. When having a conversation with your partner, no matter what the topic is, you should always show interest in what they are saying. If the topic is a little heated and is more of a discussion, it makes it even more important that you show interest and accept their opinion so they know that you are trying to see both sides of the discussion. In class we talked about the idea that we can never not communicate, our non-verbal actions are always communicating something. 

    Another aspect of non-verbal communication is empathy. When people are non-verbally communicating signs of frustration, disappointment, sadness, or anger if we can learn how to recognize though we can reach out to the person and try to help them out. Even if the person rejects your initial attempt to console them, that is the natural reaction when someone is frustrated, but they will probably eventually talk and even if you can't do much to help, a lot of times people just need someone to vent to. If you are able to talk with your partner and help them after recognizing that they need some help can mean a lot in the communication of a relationship. There is a difference between empathizing and sympathizing as well. When you empathize with someone, you know what they are going through because you may have had a similar experience. When you sympathize you are simply trying to comfort them. You haven't experienced what they have, but you are trying to recognize what they are going through and help comfort them through it, 

    I think sometimes we don't think people know what we are thinking or now how we feel, but non-verbal communication is more obvious than we let off. We can tell how others feel so why would they not be able to tell how we are feeling? Looking forward make an effort. Give your partner, or even just a stranger a smile instead of a glance. Say hi to someone instead of looking at them confused. Does someone look down? Go talk to them, even if you don't know them. People can always use some upliftment. When we can see it and even when we can't. We are in a day and age where everyone uses technology. Especially with the pandemic going on, there are less opportunities to have a face to face conversation. We all wear masks so nobody speaks up. Use non-verbal communication to your advantage, not as a way of getting out of talking to someone.