Signs, Signs, Everywhere Love Signs

Having a common language is important in communication, particularly when it comes to non-verbal. Non-verbal communicating represents over half of all things being communicated. In sports, referees they have their own way of communicating to the players and fans. Two hands on the hips in basketball mean a blocking foul. While in football it means offside by the defense. So why is this important to relationships?

If a man gives a yellow rose to a woman whom he loves simply because he finds yellow more beautiful and wants to give something besides red, this could lead to a mixed message. In “romantic” lore, yellow roses indicate friendship while red means love. It would be very easy for her to receive an inaccurate message, which could lead to hurt feelings and beyond. Thus, leaving the man confused how such a loving gesture could have such a negative impact.

Every relationship can have its own signals. And they can bring a couple together. A rub of the nose at a party can indicate “this person is driving me crazy! Come save me” or “I’m bored. Let’s go home” It’s the shared meaning that is important, not the signals.

So the next time your partner does something that has a meaning that is offensive and confusing, ask what they meant by it. You just might learn a new signal for love.