I can't look people in the eyes

Different cultures have different takes on eye contact. It is strictly culture bound, believe it or not, as eye contact can have the exact opposite meaning somewhere else in the world. In the United States eye contact is prized for some reason, so I guess culturally it is abnormal. Personally, I find eye contact too intimiate and revealing to be shared with everyone.

I think it's completely normal. I have the same problem sometimes, and other times I have a terrible problem with staring.....not sure why. Still, making eye contact with doctors/teachers/cashiers etc. is awkward for me sometimes. I've grown to give smiles and make small talk even though I don't really like it.

I'm the exact same way! when I look at people and they see me, I immidiatley look down to prevent the awkwardness, but it's still there. mostly with guys this happens because it's just wired... ibdont want them to think I'm in love with them or anything.. I can only look my best friends, family and some super close people in the eyes, but sometimes that even gets really awkward.
totally normal in my book:]

I agree with you. In fact,i think the whole "maintain eye contact else you are hiding something" theory is what screwed it up.

For Gods sake, please understand that i dont make eye contact throughout a conversation because i think its rude and intrusive, not 'cos i am hiding anything.I wish you would reciprocate similarly.

i put up the same story a while ago and i feel exactly the same way im socially awkward my family thinks im a loner but i have a bunch of weirdo friends lol but strangers freak me out when they stare at me

I have the same problem your not the only one.

Yeah, you're not the only one--I'm kind of shy around people I don't know, and a little socially awkward. I have the same problem.

Wow did I right this? @.@ I have everything you said on there that's cool I'm not the only one :p

I've got social anxiety and do the same thing.

This happens to me whenever I go to the gym. It gets really awkward for me.

But i bet people don't even have a clue how I'm feeling. Don't worry, your not alone.

If you regularly avoid eye contact, you may have a form of autism. High functioning-autistics and people with Asperger's Syndrome have issues with socializing, not intelligence. If it only occurs with strangers, it sounds like you're just shy, or socially anxious, which is fine! They're strangers!

I used to not make eye contact with strangers, and sometimes my eyes watered avoiding it. But lately I've become more confident about myself, and I can look at people quite easily now. Just try to work up to it carefully. Remember it's easier to look at people who you aren't attracted to, so you could start there and work your way up.

You sound as if you have a social issue. Maybe you should try look in the mirror and stare into your own eyes. If you have interesting eyes eg, green or amber then go ahead and look people in the eyes. If not I'm sure that people wouldn't care if you looked them in the eyes with normal eyes either. Just make sure that your eyes aren't red or black etc.