When we study or discuss communications, we most often think about speech or writing. In discussing communications theory we talk about verbal and non-verbal communications. The impact of non-verbal communication on verbal communication is fairly easy to see and experience. We tend to remain narrow in our analysis of communication in spite of the fact that we can see many of the implications that non-verbal communications suggest.

For example, in a special issue of Time Magazine, January 19, 2004, there is a discussion of "How Your Love Life Keeps You Healthy". There is a suggestion in the article that we may be too narrow in our thoughts about communication. In the article entitled, The Power of Love, the author suggests that we all may be too narrow by saying "that human sexuality is a form of communication as much as it is of procreation. Nearly all creative acts are at least in part communicative."

Later in the same article, non-verbal communications is pointed out. "In uncounted thousands of such tactile transactions, kids learn to use touch as a means of connection at least as expressive as, and certainly more satisfying than, anything so detached as speech."

How might this broaden the discussion of communications, and help us to live with the person of our choice or build productive relationships within our families? Does it make more sense to limit the definition of communication to what is being said and how it is being said?