42 LEARN EACH OTHER’S NONVERBAL LANGUAGE

What we don’t say to each other speaks volumes. Much communication is nonverbal. Ponder this list and reflect on how your spouse communicates in each of the following nonverbal ways:

Facial expression. Eye contact and how your mate uses her face to communicate reveals much about what’s happening inside.

Tone of voice. It’s not what we say that often causes conflict; it’s how we say it.

Body language. Observe the way your mate is sitting in a chair. Are arms and legs crossed or open to receive? Is your spouse facing you or turned away? How does your mate gesture with her hands?

Appearance. How is your spouse dressing? What she wears and when she wears it communicates how she is feeling about the moment. Notice your mate’s grooming or makeup.

Scent. Notice how your mate smells. Do with perfume or cologne what your mate prefers.

Touch. Much of what we communicate is through touch (or the lack of it).

Try this: Discuss with your mate other ways the two of you communicate nonverbally and what they mean.

My sister, my spouse; You have ravished my heart
With one look of your eyes, With one link of your necklace.

Song 4:9