What's the rule on eye contact?

32 Comments

Since I've never asked anybody before, I don't know the social norms. I personally try to never make eye contact with anybody, but what do most people do? I'm talking in general here, like if your walking through a crowded hallway and you might occasionally pass someone you know.

Always look down at the floor -.-	9
Avoid eyes, but you can't help it if they meet...	38
Casually glance around at everybody.	87
Make direct eye contact with every person you pass!!!	23
Other (add a comment)	6

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Comments ( 32 )

rin

12 years ago | pl

Does anyone else find it hard to not look at a person when you pass them and you're the only two people there?

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- NeuroNeptunian
  
  12 years ago
  
  Ehh, I have AS but I have been working in customer service for a few years now, so personally no. I make eye contact, a little nod and a smile. Strangers don't usually try to spark social interaction beyond anything put "How are ya?" "Fine, yourself?" "Busy lol has a nice day" "You too" which takes no effort at all.
  
  But if you just don't want people to start conversation with you period out of general lack of interest to socialize... well get real, it's a social world v.v Even I find myself having to do this.
  
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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  12 years ago
  
  That's one of the resons why I stare at the walls while walking because then you don't feel as compelled to look.
  
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  - someonenotkelly
    
    12 years ago
    
    if theres only u and some1 else this is wat u do.. if ur the cold type just glance at them uninterestedly if ur the bubbly type glance and smile! : )
    
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  - rin
    
    12 years ago
    
    but then I'm thinking am I being rude by not acknowledging their presents?? Do I look like I'm trying hard to ignore them? hehe.
    
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    - Anonymous Post Author
      
      12 years ago
      
      Well I try to make myself come off as 'oblivious' so that the other person doesn't think I'm personally not looking at them. It's even harder though when it's someone I know. I used to just casually glance at people, but sometimes I seriously wouldn't recognize someone that I knew, so now I just look away because your less likely to hurt any feelings that way.
      
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      - Quiblum
        
        12 years ago
        
        It`s really sad that society is so screwed up now, having to avoid eye contact just so you wouldn`t get ignored and hurt.
        
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        disthing
        
        12 years ago
        
        It is weird, but I think this tends to be the case in large towns and cities rather than small towns and villages. It also depends on what country you're in.
        
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    - rin
      
      12 years ago
      
      presence*
      
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ThatsWhatWeDeerDo

12 years ago

When I'm talking to somebody, I usually make eye contact... I sometimes make contact when I'm passing someone and I just give them a polite smile.. It's actually taken me a few years to get past giving people the death stare as we make eye contact.. I would just have this blank, dark look on my face... but now, when I go to like Walmart or something, I usually give a polite smile =) I've been told that my eyes light up when I make eye contact with complete strangers.. it's probably because I've got a new look at life and people in general.. =)
I've actually gotten more compliments from people about my eyes because of that change... which is interesting cuz I've just got brown eyes... nothing special =/ haha Now my BOYFRIEND.... he's got GORGEOUS eyes <3
haha, sorry... off subject.. I just like his eyes ;)

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theytookthisone

12 years ago

I usually make eye contact but I stop when I see them eye my tits

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Quiblum

12 years ago

I can`t make eye contact when I talk because I get flustered, nervous and lose the grip on the conversation. Also, I forget what I`m saying C:

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[Old Memory]

12 years ago

as long as u dont wink ;

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suckonthis9

12 years ago

Make eye contact when you want to be intimate with them.
Use this trick when you don't:
Look at them above the eyes and they won't know the difference.

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NeuroNeptunian

12 years ago

I usually make eye contact, and I have gotten better at it. Best to just glance about, don't look like you're singling out a few individuals, it makes them feel odd.

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dinz

12 years ago

Well in most western cultures not making eye contact when you are conversing with a person is normally seen as rude. However in my part of the world - particularly when you are speaking to someone like your parents, boss, etc. it is seen as a sign of respect.

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MadnessExists

12 years ago

I try my best to make eye contact when speaking with someone. Sometimes if the conversation is long, I try to glance around too. I get uncomfortable if I am staring at someone for too long. Usually when I look away for a moment, the person does the exact same thing which I find funny. If I am walking through a crowded area, I either look straight ahead or at the floor. Lately I have been trying to become better at noticing my surroundings, so I try to look around.

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Anonymous Post Author

12 years ago

What if it's someone you don't know? I always find it to be the most akward thing when I make eye contact with a stranger, so I stare at the floor when I walk.

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Faceless

12 years ago

Breasts are not eyes.

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BreeBees

12 years ago

I lightly smile and lightly nod when I somebody makes eye contact with me .

Then it becomes a habit with these certain people, and they smile / nod back at you .

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MissClaire

12 years ago

It depends on the day - If I am open for conversation with that person then I will look that person in eye. If I would like to avoid any potential contact with the person, I look straight ahead or glance around. I dont personally look at people in the eye unless I am about to approach them; having said that, it happens when I am walking down the street from time to time - just glance for a sec tho, anything more is creepyish. Also, if you are working working in customer service it is very important to understand the art of eye contact and conversation.

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- Tehboss
  
  12 years ago
  
  or if you are flirting :D
  and yes i'm looking at you ...
  
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  - MissClaire
    
    12 years ago
    
    LOL - your cute.
    
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    - Tehboss
      
      12 years ago
      
      I know!
      So what you doing later ?
      
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      - MissClaire
        
        12 years ago
        
        getting high
        
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        Tehboss
        
        12 years ago
        
        Fly me to the moon and
        Let me play amoung the stars
        
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- rin
  
  12 years ago
  
  Agree. I've had people just keep staring even after I catch them staring at me!
  
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  - MissClaire
    
    12 years ago
    
    yeah its really weird :)
    
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Are You Normal?

What's the rule on eye contact?