Is it wrong to look someone in the eyes and give them a smile if you pass them on the street or in the elevator? Is this creepy? I don't know what to do....avoid eye contact and look straight ahead?
2007-02-18 16:29:54 · 18 answers · asked by . 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
What if you don't have a nice smile? Better not to smile?
2007-02-18 16:51:04 · update #1
When entering a room full of strangers I smile openly; this tends to put people at ease.
Generally speaking you don't need to smile/look into a strangers eyes, unless you want to...
In elevators I might just say 'good morning/afternoon/evening' or whatever but wouldnt take it further than that unless there was a response - nothing wrong with being friendly but I guess there are people out there who'll take it the 'wrong way' - but thats their insecurity/problem as far as I'm concerned.
2007-02-18 16:37:15 · answer #1 · answered by jaidii_lok 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are many differing schools of thought on this subject - some cultures do not allow the women to make eye contact with any strangers and for you to persist is considered way beyond rude. As for the United States of America - most of your self defense courses recommend that you walk with confidence, keep your head up and randomly make eye contact with those around you. A confident, aware person is less likely to be singled out for attack than someone who seems nervous, alone and too lacking in confidence to raise their eyes. I personally like to pass on a smile a least once a day - you would be amazed at how far one smile or kind gesture can go, I can't change the whole world but every little ripple of happiness can come together to form an ocean of world peace. Well - it is a nice thought - isn't it??
2007-02-18 16:53:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think random smiles are great and should be more abundant! In some cultures looking people in the eye and smiling would be weird, but not in America. Just don't stare at people to make them look at you. That's when you cross the line into creepiness. If you meet someone's eyes and smile, you probably come across as being friendly, even if you don't have a perfect smile. ;)
2007-02-18 20:52:58 · answer #3 · answered by dana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looking into someones eyes and offering a smile, a nod is a gift. IT is a way of communicating, of giving acknowledgment, cheer. It may make you feel vulnerable and uncomfortable in the beginning but consider this. If you tuck your head and avoid eye contact they will too. You can't experience or see the world without your eyes open and your head up. You being uncomfortable makes them feel uncomfortable. I used to travel in Europe alone. As a woman walking into a restaurant by myself, I was quite uncomfortable in the beginning. I would dine early to avoid crowds however it always happened that when I walked in... a single woman alone... it seemed conversations would come to a dead stand still and all eyes were on me. I could be uncomfortable and they would feel uncomfortable but I found that if I just relaxed and smiled and nodded all was well. Everyone was relieved and welcoming. Once I was even invited to join in a wedding feast with the Bride and Groom and family.
Looking at someone , acknowledging their presence and passing on a smile could just make someones day and yours too.
2007-02-18 18:01:40 · answer #4 · answered by CW 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I try to look at people when I'm walking by and if I make eye contact with them, I smile. This gives off a friendly and approachable vibe, which is the vibe that I want to give off to people. If you don't want to seem approachable, then don't make eye contact or smile at strangers you pass by. Not too many people will make eye contact and smile at strangers, which makes people who do seem mysterious and intriguing.
J
2007-02-18 16:39:57 · answer #5 · answered by Jenn 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all ..... ALL SMILES ARE NICE !!!
Secondly, how could it be wrong to smile at someone ( if it's an honest smile that is ).
If someone happens to make eye contact with you and then quickly look away .... doesn't it kind of make you feel bad .... like something is wrong. If they make eye contact ... whether deliberate or accidental and smile at you .... doesn't it brighten your day just a little.Frankly I love smiles and my advice to you ...
SMILE SMILE SMILE !!!!
( although I would advise that you don't walk behind them with your hands in your pockets and follow them home after ...lol )
2007-02-18 17:38:54 · answer #6 · answered by uncle louie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
actually it's being polite not rude. Only comes across as creepy if you go over the top with it and it seems false....also don't stand there and keep looking and smiling over and over again...once is enough.
If you don't have a nice smile, then either don't bother or just give a nod instead....but I wouldn't worry about having a ugly smile...after all it's a stranger, you probably won't see them again anyway.
2007-02-18 21:10:20 · answer #7 · answered by nickieca 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no its not wrong. depending on how u look at them. eye contact is a sign of being confident and smiling is being friendly. i do it all the time. mostly when i talk to some 1.
2007-02-18 16:34:20 · answer #8 · answered by emilybailey1980 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you look someone in the eyes and this person also looks in
your eyes, the day is beautiful and everybody is happy, smiling is the appropriate behavior.
2007-02-18 22:10:31 · answer #9 · answered by Fred W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so although I don't really smile. But, if I catch someones glance, I do a head nod. To me, it says "We have acknowledge each others existence and I'm nice but don't hit on me."
2007-02-18 17:22:38 · answer #10 · answered by krazydoggarou 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋