A study investigated whether females use more supportive behaviors than males and whether males demonstrate more delayed responses than females in observable listening behavior. It was hypothesized that females would use higher levels of gaze and a greater frequency of head nods and supportive back-channels (SBCs) than males, and that males would use higher levels of delayed minimal response than females. Subjects, 18 previously unacquainted cross-sex dyads from a lower level college communication class, were put together in a hospitality room and asked to talk and get acquainted. Subjects were informed that their conversation would be audio- and videotaped. Findings based on an analysis of these tapes indicated that the women used more supportive nonverbal behaviors than the men and that the men demonstrated supportive behavior in a similar manner but to a lesser degree. Results also showed that the males were prompt in responding, a finding which differed from the hypothesis as well as from previous studies that found a delayed male reaction. Previous research was supported, however, by the findings that (1) males spoke more than females and (2) females interrupted more frequently than males, usually to express agreement or request elaboration or clarification. Overall, the partners' behaviors were found to be a mirror image. Results suggest that both males and females can modify their behavior in conversation to produce a more balanced, mutually supportive interaction. (These findings are interpreted using a relational perspective. Two pages of references are included.) (JD)