Eye Contact

[Noseypoo]

How come that a lot of people avoid eye contact when spoken to? It just makes me feel like they're not even listening to what I have to say. It especially annoys me when it happens in places of business, stores etc.
Anybody else feel that way, or am I just weird?

[jamesglewisf]

I think people are just uncomfortable. They don't want to be thought of as weird for staring. "If I look you in the eyes too long, you might think there is something wrong with me."

[augustangel]

When people that I dont know well talk to me, I dont look at them. I usually look down. If i know them, then I look at them.

James is right, some people are just uncomfortable.

[Noseypoo]

Hmm ... makes sense I suppose. Still bugs me though ;)

[CuriousG]

Usually avoiding eye contact is associated with low-self esteem, shyness and/or a lack of confidence. However, some cultures actually see direct eye contact as a sign of aggression, disrespect, or even insubordination. Or maybe they're just ugly. Just kidding, thought I'd throw that in there.

[augustangel]

Well, darlin, I have all three. Low self esteem, shyness, and lack of confidence. lol

[Alec]

I think it is bad parenting that causes it. We need to teach our children that it is rude.

[mec]

Curious G is right. It can be a cultural thing and it sometimes gives the impression that members of certain cultures are sneaky and dishonest when they are actually polite and respectful.

Talk about a failure to communicate.

[Grimey]

I can't stand I contacts either. I don't like anything stuck in my eye. Give me glasses any day.

[asnchic]

I don't know, in some cultures, it honestly is a disrespectful thing to do. Though in the United States it isn't, a lot of other countries don't look to highly on direct eye contact. Especially from a younger person to an older person.

It can be aggravating, but I'm guilty of it myself. Whenever I talk to my TA's, I look to the side because I'm trying to imagine what they're talking about (Biology). Not disrespect, just the fact that I can't look at you and picture the endoplasmic reticulum.