What does it mean when someone always looks you in the eye, according to psychology

Sometimes, “one look is enough to understand” what is hidden behind the eyes! And, if it is true that “the eyes are the mirror of the soul”, then the authors of these aphorisms have succeeded in capturing a deep meaning in the eyes. Psychology and various scientific research have indeed emphasized the importance of eye contact in human communication. They reveal how the eyes can be powerful tools of expression for conveying emotions.

These studies have shown that the gaze is not only an essential component of non-verbal communication. In fact, it also plays a crucial role in creating emotional and communicative bonds between people. But what does it mean that a person always looks you in the eye, according to psychology?

The opinion of a psychology expert

Eye contact is a form of non-verbal communication. It occurs when two people look each other directly in the eye during an interaction. This element is essential in human relationships because it conveys emotions and intentions and creates bonds between individuals.

Around the world, eye contact has different meanings depending on the culture. In some societies, direct eye contact is a sign of attention and respect. In others, it is intrusive or provocative. In addition, the intensity of eye contact can vary depending on the context.

According to an article published by psychology expert Robert A. Lavine in Psychology Today, direct eye contact is relatively rare. It actually only occurs 3% of the time during an informal conversation between two or more people. However, this brief interaction is enough to convey or arouse emotions between the interlocutors.

The different types of gaze

Although all types of eye contact can arouse different emotions, an article by Paula Martínez Barral, an expert in psychology with a master’s degree in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Granada, proposes a classification of the different types of gaze.

Intense and prolonged gaze:

A sustained or aggressive gaze can be perceived as an act of defiance, especially if it is not accompanied by other signs of attention or interest in the conversation. On the other hand, moderate eye contact often indicates interest in the words or actions of the interlocutor. In addition, this effect can be accentuated by a slight movement of the eyebrows. A gesture that enriches and reinforces the communicative nuances during the exchange. These non-verbal signals help to express involvement in or understanding of the other person’s speech.

Squinting eyes:

When a person stares at us with squinting eyes, it usually indicates defensiveness. But it can also indicate distrust towards us or the anticipation of a possible attack.

Dilated pupils:

In psychology, dilated pupils are a reaction that often occurs when something attracts our attention or arouses real interest. This can sometimes be accompanied by blushing, an involuntary phenomenon that can reveal emotions such as surprise or attraction to others.

Excessive blinking:

This behavior is often a sign of significant nervousness. According to psychology experts, it indicates agitation or embarrassment. But it can also be a reflection of attraction to the person we are talking to.

Why do some people avoid eye contact?

On the other hand, avoiding eye contact can be the result of simple nervousness or uneasiness. And whether during a “delicate” interaction such as a job interview or a date, due to the need to make a good impression, due to a lack of trust in the interlocutors, or simply because of the subject in question.

Many people think that people avoid eye contact because they are ashamed or feel guilty about hiding something. But Roger Strecker, behavioral analyst and psychology expert, says that this is not necessarily the case.

Roger Strecker emphasizes that what really matters is our perception of the behavior of the person in question. And that other involuntary indicators, such as pupil dilation or the frequency of eye blinks, are often more revealing in assessing honesty.

Another reason that can explain the absence of eye contact is the individual’s emotional state (anger or discontent) and level of attention. They may, in fact, indicate a desire to end the conversation in progress or, on the contrary, an effort to remember or understand something.