Love in the time of COVID-19: What we can learn about non-verbal behaviour from living with a pandemic

ABSTRACT

This chapter uses observations in changes to non-verbal communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when people could not engage in many of the behaviours in the ways they were accustomed to. It brings in ideas about the nature of-and the relational meanings expressed through-non-verbal communication, using the concept of social/physical distancing to speak to how people more typically enact relationships non-verbally. It also offers new perspectives on understanding the non-verbal communication system that this unique time period offers us. In particular, it discusses the deep importance of touch to well-being, the adaptability of the non-verbal communication system and the code in which it exists, and the import of non-verbal messages related to empathy and compassion as ways to show love and connection to others. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)