Nonverbal Nuances
This facial expression is universally recognized as a sign of happiness.
What is a smile?
The phrase "break a leg" in theatre means this.
What is "good luck"?
This small digital image or symbol is often used to show emotion in text messages.
What is an emoji?
Before borrowing your roommate’s belongings, you should always do this.
What is ask for permission?
Meeting in the middle, where both sides give up something to reach agreement, is known as this style.
What is compromise?
The "thumbs up" gesture in Western cultures means "good job", but in some other countries it can mean this.
What is an insult or rude gesture?
When someone says “I’ll think about it,” in some cultures this really means this.
What is no (a polite refusal)?
If someone reads your message but doesn’t reply, it’s often called this.
What is being left on read?
Leaving passive-aggressive notes around your dorm is usually not as effective as this.
What is face-to-face communication?
If you constantly give in to your roommate to avoid arguments, you may start to feel this emotion over time.
What is resentment?
Sitting too close to someone during a conversation can violate this kind of unspoken rule.
What is personal space?
The phrase “kick the bucket” means this rather grim event.
What is to die?
Sending multiple texts in a row because someone hasn’t responded yet is often interpreted as this.
What is being impatient, clingy, or anxious?
Ignoring your roommate after a disagreement is an example of this unproductive communication pattern.
What is avoidance or passive-aggressiveness?
During conflict, saying “You always…” or “You never…” is a sign of this poor communication habit.
What is defensiveness or blaming language?
This type of facial expression happens automatically and often reveals true emotions, even when someone tries to hide them.
What are microexpressions?
The German word “Schadenfreude” means this complex emotion.
What is pleasure in someone else’s misfortune?
A sophisticated, personalized recommendation system that relies on the user's interaction with the content to keep sending new content.
What is the algorithm?
When you share frustration with others instead of your roommate directly, you’re engaging in this harmful pattern.
Someone who interrupts or dominates a discussion to make their point may lack this crucial skill in conflict management.
What is active listening?
A mismatch between someone’s words and their body language often leads to this communication issue.
What is mixed messages or misunderstanding?
The process of adjusting a message for a specific culture or region rather than directly translating it is called this.
What is localization?
The habit of constantly checking your phone for new messages, even when there are none, is a behavior tied to this psychological concept.
What is variable reward or dopamine loop (intermittent reinforcement)?
You and your roommate have had multiple small conflicts that aren’t improving. What’s an appropriate next step?
What is involving an RA or mediator to facilitate a discussion?
In emotionally charged conflicts, the “fight, flight, or freeze” response is triggered in this part of the brain.
What is the amygdala?