Do you look down when people on the street pass you ?

Question

So I noticed that when I am in the hallway or on the street and I pass someone I acknowledge they are there (smile, nod, say hi) and then I look down at the ground.

I thought at first that it was a self esteem issue, but I don't think I have low self esteem. Since I realized this, I have been trying to keep my head up and look forward instead. Now I have noticed a lot of people do this when they pass me too.

Do you do this? Do you know where this habit comes from?

I don't mean stare at the other person that would be a little creepy, but to just look forward, straight ahead, rather than down.

Answer 1

I always look up. I was taught to always hold my head up high. Many years ago, people who were in the lower classes were not supposed to look their "betters" in the face, but keep their eyes lowered. Also in may countries you were not supposed to hold your head higher then a Kings, or member of the Aristocracy, on pain of death or severe punishment. I think this is ultimately where it came from.
If you have good self esteem, then by all means hold your head up girl, be proud of who you are. Greet every opportunity with a smile.

Answer 2

I used to look down or look away when I meet strangers on the street. I no longer do that. I began to see that whenever I had a thought that there was something wrong with the other person, I would look away because I wanted to hide that. And at other times if a comparison between myself and the other person had me come off looking worse, I'd look away to hide that. I have learned that there's nothing wrong with me. And there nothing wrong with the other person. So now I maintain eye contact. I just ended 3 years of living in New York City , and I'm in NYC every day.

By the way, most people do not look at me. But some do. And when they do, we share a smile, sometimes a "hello", and sometimes even a conversation.

Answer 3

I think instead of having to speak to the person you're passing or acknowledging them we often times look downward. I've especially noticed this with people from the North. Most Southerners I know would typically speak, nod, or smile. So, I think it's just to avoid the persons' eyes so you won't feel obligated to say something.

Answer 4

Yes I do this as well. People do this becuase they feel that after they say hi you can't just stare at the person. If they want to continue to talk to you they will come after you and tell or ask you. Even if you pass somebody, say hi, and look down as you say you do they probably look down as well.

Answer 5

I do that sometimes too. I don't really know why. It feels a little weird when you just keep your head up and look into the eyes of someone you don't know. It's one of these really awkward moments and I think thats why I put my head down.

Answer 6

I look any direction, down is good cause you look at what you are about to step on. I don't have time in my life for bs so I go to all extents not to be noticed. if I see someone I know I will walk the other way to avoid a conversation.

Answer 7

depending if am in a hurry, or what mood i am in. am always thinking, because the nature of my job. so dont notice peeps sometimes when they pass. my theory is people dont want to be caught looking at each other( for various reasons) when i was at school i wouldnt look at certain gals( pretty), not because i was shy. i just didnt want to let them now i was checking them out. i still do that now sometimes. weird!!!

Answer 8

I do this but I don't know why. I have always been a shy and drawn back person when it comes to strangers and I just prefer to leave it at a simple Hi or Hello!

Answer 9

i'm a Sophomore pupil at a college and that i think of you're over-thinking the region. each from time to time, i seem down and each from time to time i seem rapidly forward. It has no longer something to do with the adult adult males around me yet extra to do whether the solar is hitting my eyes quite complicated at a undeniable perspective or whether I ought to bypass down some stairs. no less than, us women do no longer look into adult adult males too lots strolling to and from class. in case you're good-looking/lovable, we will observe previously we get close adequate which you are going to see us warding off our gazes. in case you think approximately your self eye-catching, then it relatively is all that concerns. do no longer think of too lots relating to the gazes of ladies. perchance you in simple terms observed the way they have been watching the incorrect time. x_X

Answer 10

I believe it is a sign that the individual wants no type of contact with you. I also try to keep my head up as I walk, and it is quite noticeable when people "glance" away.