Social interaction finds a key informative element in the gaze because moods and sensations are transmitted and reflected through the eyes: hence the importance of being able to and knowing how to look well at others.
Eye contact is the result of an exchange of glances between human beings or specimens of different species of the animal kingdom. It is one of the many possibilities that fall within the modalities of non-verbal communication and allows you to obtain valuable information about your neighbor without having to exchange words.
It should be noted that the intention and interpretation of visual language vary depending on the beliefs, customs and dynamics of each community, as well as being conditioned by who is involved in this exchange of glances .
According to experts in animal behavior, the dog tends to seek the human eye to rest on it in order to speed up the bonding and trust process, while it seeks and holds its master's gaze every time it wants to express a certain thing ( need to go out, drink, ask for food, etc.). The cat, for its part, chooses to avoid eye contact if it feels afraid and maintains its gaze in circumstances of relaxation or comfort.
Eye contact as part of body language
When developing and appreciating body language, eye contact plays an essential role. Looking at the other to record the movements or gestures they make, evaluating their posture and paying attention to their facial expression are necessary actions to obtain relevant data regarding the reactions, emotions and degree of interest of the other person.
Through eye contact, social relationships are facilitated, conversations are enriched, and you can even tell if someone has good or bad intentions. It is vital to learn to decipher the language of the eyes : there are looks that denote sadness, others that lend themselves to the game of seduction , some that are lost and hopeless, several that are illuminated and transmit joy and, unfortunately, there is no shortage of aggressive looks . , threatening or intimidating or inhibiting.
An evasive, elusive look , to indicate a specific case by way of reference, is a sign of insecurity , submission , shyness , nervousness or discomfort ; A direct, sustained look , however, according to the context, can translate into an attitude of dominance , a display of or a sign of trust.
The role of gaze in interpersonal relationships
In interpersonal relationships the role of gaze is very important. In close ties, as with a couple, immediate family members or friends, in addition to sincere dialogue, companionship and respect , empathy is required, a willingness to actively listen and eyes that show love and complicity with loved ones.
During the attraction stage between two people, eye contact, the type of look that occurs between them, fuels desire, fosters connection and enriches the courtship phase by expressing pleasure and interest.
On the other hand, eye contact is relevant and accurate for communication in the workplace , when making public presentations , when participating in a job interview , when being part of the customer service area or when establishing negotiations . If you want to show confidence and be credible or convincing, you have to train your eyes and learn about social guidelines to know how to behave in this regard.
The value of eye contact for babies and toddlers should also not be overlooked. At an early age, the communication established reciprocally with the eyes adds information about the environment and is essential for social evolution , emotional growth and brain development . A boy who is observed closely or directly by his inner circle will feel stimulated to interact and socialize, in his own way, with those around him. A child who is ignored or who does not find affectionate glances and smiles that target him, on the other hand, lacks incentives and support in the first stage of life, then suffering from complications and obstacles that negatively influence or condition neurodevelopment .
Problems, conditions, situations or pictures associated with eye contact
There are numerous circumstances in which there is an absence of eye contact or it becomes complicated or cannot be maintained over time for reasons beyond control or conscious action.
Getting advice on problems, conditions, situations or pictures linked to the lack or difficulty of holding your gaze and establishing a bond in which the eyes focus on the face of one person or more contributes to understanding multiple realities and knowing how to act or behave. in those scenarios.
Between friends, siblings and couples, there are often knowing glances and gestures that feed a unique non-verbal code that only those involved in the bond understand.
An emotional disorder related to self-esteem or extreme shyness , a social anxiety disorder , or someone diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder may be part of the explanations. Of course, a person who lies or hides something can also be revealed because, in general, this type of individual avoids looking into the eyes while speaking.
Although it may seem incredible and outrageous, there are arrogant people who, to convince themselves of their supposed superiority (whether due to their socioeconomic level, their fame, etc.), order their employees to avoid looking them in the eyes . Although there are no official denials or confirmations, there are rumors that have been circulating for a long time internationally that indicate that Tom Cruise and Luis Miguel are part of that class of human beings that prohibits the staff assisting them from establishing eye contact with them.