Even though certain non-verbal signals have been associated with courtship and romantic flirtation, we also know that similar behaviors occur when people are trying to communicate friendliness, interest, and playfulness. These quasi-courtship behaviors can lead to misunderstandings, and they remind us how important context is for interpreting nonverbal signals. The cluster of nonverbal behavior comprising immediacy or liking behavior can be usefully applied to a variety of situations in which one wants to signal positive responses to strangers and acquaintances. Immediacy occurs in established close relationships, too, but mainly when it is important to be clear about one’s feelings, when the relationship is threatened, or when a couple wants to communicate their closeness to outsiders. Otherwise, people in close relationships employ a more unique and varied nonverbal repertoire.
INSTRUCTIONS – Follow these steps:
- Review these two short videos:
- Go to and research for peer-reviewed journal article on the topic of intimate relationships and non-verbal communication.
- Download and attach your article to your submission.
- Provide a bullet list of the four (4) most important points in your article. Provide one sentence for each point.
- Pick one of the four points you listed above and explain it by providing a detailed analysis/explanation. Your analysis of the point chosen needs to connect to one of the questions below. The questions below are covered in your textbook chapter 12. Please use corresponding terminology. Your explanation should be at least of a paragraph of 10 sentences.
- How is intimacy communicated in nonverbal communication?
- What are the differences between courtship behavior and quasi-courtship behavior?
- What are the nonverbal behaviors in linking behavior or immediacy?
- How do you evaluate being close in close relationships (non-verbally)?
- How do you communicate (non-verbally) mutual influence?
- How do you communicate personal and/or social identity?
