why?
2007-05-15 06:51:46 · 22 answers · asked by someone 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I would rather look someone in the eye and smile than look at my own toes.
You usually get a smile back, and this is a good way to meet local people, or just to generate a good feeling about how there are really a lot of nice people around if you actually look.
EDIT: I find it interesting that people find it scary to look at someone. I am lucky enough to be a big enough and scary enough guy to not be bothered. Still, I have got into trouble by trusting people too much. That has nothing to do with basic humanity and decency of acknowledging another person's existence and giving a nice smile and g'day. (Aussie here!)
Even after being beaten once, and held at knife point for several hours while traveling, I still trust people... You've got a choice - live in the world with all its wonders, including the people, or you can live in a closet with nothing but a small group of people just like you (and your own thoughts). I choose life.
In regards to danger, it is just as likely that a man in a suit is dangerous as a man in torn jeans. Some of the most interesting people I have met have been those that many people would be scared of. Sometimes they are rich and generous too! Seriously rich, and seriously wise, and seriously laughing at all the fools who judge them prematurely.
People.... open up. Be strong. Be positive. Enjoy life. If you get knocked over? Get back up and do it even more!!!
2007-05-15 06:57:24 · answer #1 · answered by Jeremy D 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
How else would I acknowledge them? Look at their toes? I'm not paranoid about strangers. If someone is afraid a "stranger" is somehow threatening, & they might become a "victim" the worst you can do is avoid eye contact; they'll pick up on that right away. This reminds me of the behaviour of cats. They will STARE at each other. The first one to blink has, basically, relinquished their equality. Yes, I make eye contact, & I even sometimes have enjoyable little chats.
2007-05-15 19:31:27 · answer #2 · answered by Psychic Cat 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes I do, but sometimes I don't. It just depends on what is going on during the situation, such as if there is a car coming down the street. I would pay attention to the car rather than the person. If nothing is going on around me, I would make eye contact with strangers and maybe even say a "hello" to them, just to be friendly.
2007-05-15 06:59:11 · answer #3 · answered by help me plz 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No it would be very dangerous to do that, when you make eye contact, you open yourself up, in a city very dangerous, you best avoid eye contact, politeness and space as it is rude to stare. Some very violent and aggressive people would see it as a opportunity to attach it's self to you, then you would have a nasty hanger on which you wont get rid of, it's not about being shy. You would be asking for it.
2016-05-18 22:30:16 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the time, with a grin and a nod. I'm a happy solitary, but amongst people I like to let them know I exist, acknowledge their existence too - and learn a lot (including where they are as humans) by their response. Life is such a wonderful thing, it requires recognition and celebration. Little kids are the most interesting - some babies smile back; others are alarmed and quietly seek shelter. So you can see their lives stretching before them, unless they find some very wise mentors. I love 'em all!
2007-05-15 19:41:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, for one reason to be aware of my surroundings and also I usually say hello if I make eye contact. What's interesting to me is how many people won't give you eye contact. I'm a firm believer of being aware of the people around you wherever you are. I guess it's my military background or something.
2007-05-15 06:58:53 · answer #6 · answered by vanhammer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I usually nod or smile and say 'hi', glancing at the stranger, but not looking too much directly into his or her eyes. This is probably because they are strangers, and I want to keep going my way.
2007-05-15 06:58:42 · answer #7 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my hometown growing up, I did. But when I moved to Manhattan, I learned NOT to! Too many people out to take advantage of others! I definitely believe the Ans to your Qu is that it totally depends upon the location/environment!! Even in vacation locales--it's too easy for the "Hunters" to catch their prey!! That sounds pretty cynical--but has a good part of reality nowadays.
2007-05-15 13:39:33 · answer #8 · answered by Martell 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always. Well if they look at me I will smile.
I get a laugh out of those people who don't smile back. Its like a game to me, If I see an angry person walking up, I will smile at them, sometimes they will smile back - if they dont - as soon as they have walked past i'll burst out laughing. Some people just look so serious.
And I try and guess who I can get a smile out of or who won't even look up at me.
2007-05-16 12:54:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes I do. Because eye contact usually illicits some sort of acknowledgement.
2007-05-15 06:59:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋