My spouse says I roll my eyes and sigh when they are talking. Is that really damaging?

Signals such as rolling your eyes, sighing and sneering convey a contempt deeper than words. Your spouse reads them as a sign that their words do not matter, and that slowly wears away respect. You may not realise you are doing it, so ask your spouse to tell you gently each time it happens. When your spouse is talking, keep your face and attention as though you are truly listening. If you disagree, say so with polite words, not with a contemptuous expression. A respectful body supports a respectful tongue. Try noticing your own body language today; sincere attention calms a discussion more than you would expect. See communication & emotions.