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Old 10-31-2005, 09:58 AM
vexvelour vexvelour is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: staring at the freeway
Posts: 231
Default Re: I can\'t look a person in the eye and talk at the same time. WHY?!

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In most situations, I feel rather strange when someone constantly looks directly into my eyes while talking to me. Isn't it standard in our culture for the speaker to look away/around except for occasional glances, and the listener to indicate interest by looking directly at the speaker (with head cocked to one side, in fact)? This is not always expected, e.g., in very familiar settings, and when the speaker has a much higher status than the listener, and it also depends on the physical distance. So, I think it is normal for you not to be used to talking while looking at someone.

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This is correct. You're not supposted to stare someone down in a conversation, but rather emphasize points, show understanding of what the speaker is saying, etc. by making eye contact.
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