The upward eye roll is an optical nonverbal communication maneuver that usually is perceived as a negative response to something that was said.
Frequent eye rolling could be a clue that there are problems in your marriage relationship with your spouse. The eye roll, like hurtful jokes, sarcasm, denial, stonewalling, and blame, is a form of provocative communication.
What the Eye Roll May Be Saying
- Disagreement with what is being said.
- Dislike for how something is being said.
- Venting frustration or exasperation.
How the Eye Roll May Be Perceived
- As a display of contempt for your beliefs.
- As an insult.
- As condescending sarcasm.
- As a put down or scorn.
- As a lack of respect.
What the Eye Roll May Show
- Lack of caring.
- Superiority.
- Lack of respect.
- Dismissive attitude.
- Passive-aggressive behavior.
What the Eye Roll Can Do to Your Marriage
- Intensify hostility in your relationship.
- Diminish trust.
- Build power struggles.
- Hurt communication.
- Bring about withdrawl.
- Encourage defensive reaction.
- Create a sense of intimidation.
What You Can Do
- State that your perception of your spouse's nonverbal is that there is a problem with what you've said. Ask for clarification.
- Talk with each other about what triggers the eye roll. Have this conversation when neither of you are angry.
