If you are trying to get to know someone or express concern about them, but their eye contact is limited and brief (they'll look at you briefly and then respond quietly while looking towards the ground), would you find that offensive or take it personally? Would it turn you off of talking to the person?
2007-01-04 13:28:16 · 13 answers · asked by Chelsea 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Limited eye contact or no eye contact means that that person is very shy or has a very low self image of himself. Through the eyes one sees the soul and such people do not want to be observed by others for some reason or other. They may be insecure about their looks, feel that other people have something over them or have poor communication skills. This does not mean that these people are bad in any way, some of the nicest people I have known are like this and have never betrayed me, while others that seem to have it all have. Usually, though, these people do not excel to high levels in society because they are not very demanding and let most of life past them by. One thing is for sure, I would rather have a person like this as a friend than a hundred slick ones that would stab me in the back and not even look back. They are very content with the little they have and they would give you the shirts off their backs, not the knife.....KECK
2007-01-04 13:45:46 · answer #1 · answered by Tneciter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting to know someone and being in a position where someone is worried about them are two high-stress situations... for someone who is reserved, or an introvert like the other answerer said. I wouldn't be surprised if they constantly looked away.
Also, if a person is from a culture that frowns upon eye contact they're probably not going to look at you, either. It's actually a sign or respect.
2007-01-04 13:33:41 · answer #2 · answered by Jen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's me exactly. Even with people I know very well and with strangers, I stare at the ground and never ever look them in the eye when talking. Then again, I have Aspergers (high functioning Autism), and am extremely introverted and shy.
2007-01-04 14:10:38 · answer #3 · answered by Rapunzel XVIII 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you have to take into a person's personality and culture. Some cultures are not supposed to make so much eye-to-eye with superiors while the U.S. is egalitarian. Personally, I never really make so much eye contact. I think it is a slight insecurity. Don't take it personally some people don't feel comfortable to make so much eye contact so they don't seem domineering.
2007-01-04 14:34:26 · answer #4 · answered by ccas2200 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You say you are trying to get to know them, and expressing concern for them; they are probably shy and a bit embarrassed over the attention. Try not to find it rude or offensive; shyness will lessen when they know you better and have confidence in your opinions.
2007-01-04 13:53:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Neither a turn-off nor offensive for me. I find it preferable.
I can't stand it when people try to drill into your gaze with their eyes. For me, THAT'S rude.
But that's me.
Also understand that some cultures it's expected, in others, it's bad manners.
2007-01-04 13:36:50 · answer #6 · answered by karkondrite 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you need to just talk and get acquainted before you start looking deeply into their eyes. This would make a lot of guys uncomfortable.
2007-01-04 13:37:19 · answer #7 · answered by Jan C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People who give limited eye contact have low self-esteem. Don't take it personally.
2007-01-04 15:10:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont take it personally. Most introverts will look away while speaking with you... it's because they are thinking of their answer. Read about introverts and extroverts and you will understand it all.
2007-01-04 13:30:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
well its kind of a turn off, but I wouldn't take it to serious. They are probably a bit shy.
have a great new year !
2007-01-04 13:32:47 · answer #10 · answered by Bridget 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋