Observation #2

            I chose to do my second observation at my local church. It was interesting to see the nonverbal communication in such a quiet environment. First interaction I witnessed was between an elderly couple. They sat side by side and always acknowledged one another. The husband would place his arm around her and she would respond by moving into his body. They would frequently flash small smiles to one another. Through their touch and facial expression communication, it was obvious the love that this two people had for one another.

            The second interaction was between a young single mother and her son. The boy kept pestering his little sister in a way that wasn’t appropriate at church. The mother had scolded him several times in a playful manner but the behavior didn’t stop. In my mind, I kept thinking, “Come on mom, be assertive and make the boy stop.” The boy interpreted her playful discipline has encouragement and started to constantly poke his mother. Once again, without saying any words, the mother smiling scolded him to stop and be quiet. The behavior continued. Soon enough, a middle aged man sitting behind them reached up and placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder. The boy didn’t even turn around to acknowledge the man but his behavior did not instantly. The man’s touch sent a firm, fast message to the boy to stop his behavior. This made me contemplate the different nonverbal communications between males and females.