What your body might be saying — even when your words sound nice
We’ve all been there: trying to say the “right” thing in a hard conversation… but our partner still pulls away or shuts down.
Here’s the truth: you can have the best words in the world, but if your tone is sharp, your arms are crossed, or your face says “I’m done,” your partner will feel that more than anything you say.
In Imago, we know that connection is a full-body practice. Before a single word is spoken, the body is already speaking. And what it says is either “I’m safe, I’m open, I’m with you” — or the opposite.
When your posture is relaxed, your face is soft, your breathing is calm, you send a powerful nonverbal message: “I’m here. I’m listening. You’re safe with me.”
Try This:
Next time you’re in a tense or important moment with your partner, check in with your body:
- Are you leaning in or pulling away?
- Is your jaw tight?
- Are your arms crossed or open?
Even small shifts — a breath, a softer gaze, an uncrossed arm — can change the tone of the whole conversation.
It’s not about getting it perfect. It’s about showing up with your whole self, not just your words.
Connection lives in presence. And presence starts in the body.
Reflection Prompt:
Think of a recent moment when things got tense.
- What was happening in your body?
- What might your partner have picked up on — even if your words were calm?
- What shift could you try next time?
Reach out to us at the Imago Center DC — we’ll help you turn communication into a full-body experience of connection.
Want more tools like this?
Catch the video version on Instagram here.
And don’t miss the next post in our Imago Moments for Couples series!