CONFLICTS IN NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION BETWEEN ROMANTIC PARTNERS: A CONCEPT PAPER ON AN EXPLORATORY STUDY IN URBAN AREAS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37231/apj.2025.8.SI1.789Abstract
Nonverbal communication plays a critical role in shaping emotional connections within romantic relationships, yet its importance is often underestimated compared to verbal communication. This study explores the impact of nonverbal communication on long-distance romantic relationships focusing on couples who have been together for 1 to 4 years. Given the unique challenges of physical separation, nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language become essential for maintaining intimacy and understanding. This qualitative research involved in-depth online interviews conducted via Google Meet with 14 couples residing in urban areas, with data analyzed using Nvivo14 to identify key patterns and themes. The findings reveal that effective nonverbal communication significantly enhances relationship satisfaction, fostering emotional connection and trust. Positive nonverbal behaviors, like expressive facial cues and attentive listening, were found to reinforce intimacy, while the absence or misinterpretation of these cues often led to misunderstandings, emotional distance, and relationship strain, particularly during difficult periods. Additionally, the study uncovered instances of nonverbal communication misuse, highlighting the risk of emotional disconnect when nonverbal signals are poorly managed or misunderstood. These insights emphasize the need for couples to be more mindful of their nonverbal behaviors, particularly in long-distance contexts where physical cues are limited. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of nonverbal communication in maintaining healthy, long-distance romantic relationships, providing valuable guidance for couples seeking to strengthen their emotional bonds despite the challenges of physical separation.
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