
The Place We Find Ourselves #70: What Is Really Happening When We Interact with Someone
What is actually happening when two people interact – whether it’s two friends, partners, parent and child, or boss and employee? Primarily, nonverbal messages are being communicated from one person’s right brain to the other. This has profound implications for why interpersonal interactions can be so fraught.
Adam Young explains that our right brains are a powerhouse. They are lightning fast and can process massive amounts of information in very short periods of time. Perhaps most importantly, they communicate many valuable things to our friends, the people we work with, and the people we care for.
This communication is all nonverbal. It requires that I become aware of the subtle cues that your face and body are giving me, and the emotions and needs they might be connected to. It requires me to understand what is happening inside of you, by listening to your tone of voice and being sensitive to your body language. When you sense that I understand what is happening inside of you, you will feel connected to me, and when I give you the nonverbal cues that I am feeling kindness towards you in whatever state you are in, you will feel empowered and calm. I (Claire) have experienced this many times with James, and it is a powerful thing.