We all know at least one couple like this: a duo that’s so touchy-feely and obviously in love, you can’t help but smile when you see them interact. Between their constant hand-holding or kissing, their body language clearly conveys affection (and maybe a dash of possessiveness).

In most cases, the body language of couples who are really in love involves more layers and subtleties. Sure, there are some obvious cues — frequent touch, sustained eye contact — but even if you and your love aren’t into PDA, you’re likely still engaging in behaviours that signal love and connection without having to utter a word.

“Body language is the emotional undercurrent of a relationship,” Blanca Cobb, a speaker, educator and body language expert, told HuffPost. And by “body language,” she doesn’t just mean textbook PDA. Cobb is referring to all forms of nonverbal communication, from how you position your body, to where you hold your gaze, to how you move through spaces when you’re with your partner.

Though subtle, these physical cues are vital to establishing and maintaining emotional intimacy. “They help partners understand each other’s feelings, intentions and trustworthiness,” Cobb said. Some occur unconsciously; others involve deliberate actions or positioning.

Here are some behaviours to look for and others to avoid as you interact with your S.O.

Body Language: Dating vs. Partnered

Patti Wood, a speaker and body language expert with three decades of experience, agrees that these physical cues play a large role in how close and connected people feel in their romantic relationships.

When dating, single people tend to engage in nonverbal behaviours that mirror the “mating rituals” of the animal kingdom, she told HuffPost. Think: a puffed chest or tall stance, typically modelled by the person........

© HuffPost