Introduction
People seem to elicit different non-verbal behavior patterns when they are surrounded by strangers or communicate with someone they know. As such, some of the pedestrians tend to maintain a fairly rapid walking pace. This seems to suggest that they are uncomfortable on the street due to its poor and unfriendly design or they are rather busy with other matters. It is also noteworthy to mention that people tend to avoid touching each other when maneuvering in the crowd.
Wood (2015) suggests that such non-verbal behavior is conditioned by culture. Thus, in the U.S. touching another person is considered a gesture that demonstrates a closer relationship. People who walk in pairs seem to be more relaxed and confident which is seen through their posture and active hand movements. Engaged in conversation, they tend to wave their hands, point at objects, and demonstrate their security by other means.
Nonverbal Communication
Observations of the kinesthetic domain also allow concluding that people feel safer in the presence of their friend or significant other. The walking distance between pairs of pedestrians is significantly lower which illustrates the tendency to share personal space with someone relatively familiar rather than a stranger. The presence of a friendly person also appears to make the other individual more prone to touching hands or shoulders.
However, this is highly variable due to the degree of relatedness, friendship, or cultural factors. Thus, some pairs were noticed to be mostly reserved in their body language. No active hand movements, hands in pockets, and other features of a dissatisfied state of insecurity. As a result of a field analysis it became evident that although many pairs tend to feel more secure in the crowd as opposed to individuals and respond with relatively less strain, there are certain differences in the behavior of others. The latter could be explained by environmental, cultural, or personal factors.
Reference
Wood, J. T. (Ed.). (2015). Interpersonal communication: Everyday encounters (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.