If you find someone at a place you visit frequently, chances are you may have something in common. Something to talk about, perhaps.
If someone is unwilling to make eye contact with you, or seems to be avoiding it, this may be an indicator that she is not interested in speaking or meeting you.
Did she raise her eyebrows? This can be a way of saying hello or communicating further interest. [7] X Research source Were her eyes wide open? This can be a way of communicating happiness or joy, even a feeling of ease. [8] X Research source Did she seem to be lowering her chin, appearing to be looking up at you? This too can be a sign that she may be interested in meeting you. [9] X Research source
Keep smiling with open body language so she knows this is a friendly look, not a threatening stare. The longer she maintains eye contact, the more likely it is that she may be interested in meeting you.
If she looks back with open body language, it may be an indicator that she is interested in meeting and/or speaking to you.
The person you may wish to make eye contact with may be nervous as well. If you maintain a calm demeanor, you might be able to make them feel more at ease. Intense or anxious stares may suggest hostility or anger–the opposite of what you are trying to convey.
Being stared at makes people feel uncomfortable and will make them want to avoid eye contact. Be sure to avoid making facial expressions that would suggest you are examining or critiquing a person. Practicing your smile in the mirror will also help you get over any feeling of intimidation of shyness that you may experience when making direct eye contact.
You can even do this while flipping through magazines or while browsing the internet.
Even when the speaker is not looking at you directly, practice looking at their eyes. When the speaker looks in your direction, give them a supportive smile.
As you feel more-and-more comfortable, try increasing the length of the discussions.
In some cases, it may be easier for you to look at another spot on the person’s face, like their eyebrows or nose. If you pick a spot close enough to the eye they will not be able to notice that you are not looking at them directly. [14] X Research source
Social anxiety disorders can be identified as an extreme and constant fear of being judged, scrutinized, or critiqued. [15] X Research source Neurodivergent people may find eye contact distracting or overwhelming. This can be true for autistic people,[16] X Research source [17] X Research source people with ADHD,[18] X Research source people with sensory processing disorder,[19] X Research source and others. Faking it is more comfortable.
