An article on Social Intelligence – Observing Nonverbal Behavior and Understanding Emotions – by Dr. Sandeep Atre

Relationships can get terribly complex if you don’t pick initial emotional signals.
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In an important study in 2015, researchers Yoo and Noyes found that the ability to recognize facial expressions of negative emotions predicts greater satisfaction in romantic relationships. In other words, if one partner is able to see the early signs of anger, contempt, disgust, fear, or sadness then he or she can deal more effectively with the situation.

In fact, across many studies, researchers have found that during a conflict, happy couples engage in more constructive responses like expressing themselves in a positive manner, listening without interrupting, and stopping before the conflict gets too heated. In contrast, unhappy couples engage in more destructive responses like withdrawal, stubbornness, and negativity.

As researchers Keltner and Haidt state: from an accurate and informed reading of expressions, a person can infer partner’s current emotions, attitudes, ‘perception of the situation’, and ‘intended behavior’. And that initial empathy makes the ‘all-important’ difference.

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Well! In relationships, it is better to ‘prepare and prevent’ than to ‘repair and repent’.

 

Dr. Sandeep Atre, Founder Director, Socialigence – Developing Social Intelligence
www.socialigence.net – Specialized Online Courses and Customized workshops on Observing Nonverbal Behavior and Understanding Emotions
PS: All inputs on observing nonverbal behavior should be applied after establishing the baseline behavior.