Trust your gut – literally – when it comes to relationships. Here's why.

Have you ever used a GPS but then ignored its instructions? It would say something like “at the next stoplight turn right.” But maybe you didn’t hear it or maybe you thought you knew a better way. Regardless of the reason you kept going straight. This is often what we do when our body tries to communicate – we either don’t notice or we think we know better and choose to ignore it.

Reflecting on how our body communicates with us is not something many of us do. But our bodies do talk to us all the time, the question is: Are we listening? Our body can give us insights into our relationships, work, friends, partners, boundaries, or, even, our preferences. It’s fairly common for us to feel butterflies on a first date or to feel our eyelids droop with exhaustion during a long flight, but do we stop to think what it all really means?

If you're confused by how your body may communicate, here are some examples:

You cross your arms when that one “friend” enters the room. This could mean that this individual triggers you, makes you feel unsafe, that there is an issue you need to work through with them, or that you no longer want them to be a part of your life.

More: If you keep dating the wrong person, it's time to look at yourself.

Your breathing speeds up when you start kissing someone. This could mean that you are excited, turned on, or that you feel anxious and uncomfortable by the situation.

You get a sinking feeling in your gut when you agree to do something you don't want to do. This could mean that you violated a boundary you’ve previously set with yourself, or that you feel used or misaligned as a consequence of this commitment.

You can’t stop smiling when someone suggests ordering Chinese food for dinner. This could mean that you love Chinese food, that you are happy not to have to cook, or that you feel loved by someone’s thoughtful suggestion.

You feel nauseous. This could mean that you are stressed, nervous, exhausted, pregnant… or you may have food poisoning!

You get headaches when you work too much. This could mean that you need to rest more, take on less responsibility, or invest in a standing desk.

You avoid eye contact. This could mean that you feel uncomfortable, shy, or guilty.

You are hunched over. This could mean that you are spending too many hours in front of the computer, or it could mean that you don’t feel confident, that you feel defeated, or that you feel like you have to protect yourself.

As you can tell, there are multiple signs and interpretations available. This is why it’s important to tune in. If you were to scan your body right now, what do you notice? If your body could speak, what would it say? It could be helpful to set a timer on your phone throughout the day to remind yourself to check in! It's amazing how many of us don't spend time checking in. It's amazing how much information we miss out on when we ignore our bodies.

Notice how your body responds to the people around you. Are you moving backwards when someone stands next to you? Is your body turned away? Do you want less physical touch even though you generally enjoy closeness? Do you feel uncomfortable in your own body when around certain people?

Tip: Try to move your body every day (if possible, and in a way that honors it). Go for a walk, stretch, dance in your living room, play tennis – whatever allows you to take care of your body and get to know it a bit more. Sometimes it’s hard to know what it wants to say when we are so disconnected!

Of course, some of us have a strenuous relationship with our body, a relationship that makes us distrusting or disappointed by it. This can make it a lot more difficult to tune in (or want to). If this you, and if this is a journey you want to take, I hope you approach it with gentleness and patience. Remember, there is no shame in asking for help – from friends, family, or mental health professionals!

Sara Kuburic is a therapist who specializes in identity, relationships and moral trauma. Every week she shares her advice with our readers. Find her on Instagram @millennial.therapist. She can be reached at SKuburic@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Relationship advice: Your body talks, are you listening?