Saturday, April 19, 2014

Nonverbal Communication Analysis 2790: Head Touch & Head Touch Surrogate - Body Language of Affection (PHOTOS)


When one's head is brought in contact with another - particularly when it's prolonged - it's a very strong affectionate body language signal. In the image above, a reunion between a daughter and survivor of the recent Korean Ferry sinking and her father is captured in such a moment.

An interesting nonverbal phenomenon is often displayed in the absence of another person however. Sargent Timothy D. Sayne was killed in action in Afghanistan on 18 September 2011. He was buried with at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. In the photo below, Thania, Sargent Sayne's wife is seen with her head against his gravestone. This action is not performed for physical support - rather for emotional connection, love - and especially affection. Here her husband's grave marker acts as a head surrogate. Despite being inanimate, such head-surrogate touching is also consistent with high sincerity quotients.

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1898:  Heat, Hugs & Head Surrogates

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2478:  Acting Affectionate Engenders Affection  Body Language and Strangers

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2317:  "The Rescuing Hug" -  Body Language of Human Touch & Kangaroo Care

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2779: Rep. Vance McAllister Caught on Camera Kissing Staffer - Affection vs. Lust - What their Body Language says

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2701: Cuddling, Romance, Affection and Foot-Shunning - Body Language Tells 

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2764: Embarrassment, Affection & Flirtation - Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher - Kiss Cam Body Language

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2789: Gabriel García Márquez, Critical Evaluation and Body Language

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