I Can't Look People in The Eye
I Can't Look People in The Eye
I<3bway
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/14/06
#0I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 4:18pmI don't know why, I mean I try to but everytime I do I just want to look away. It's so annoying for me and I want to get rid of this stupid habit!
#1re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 4:22pmWhat are you afraid of (or intimidated by)?
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
JohnBoy2
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/06
#2re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 4:25pmPerhaps you are on the Autism spectrum? Has anyone ever suggested that?
#3re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 4:39pmTry looking right between people's eyes. It will seem to them as if you're looking into their eyes, but it will be less intimidating for you.
I<3bway
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/14/06
#4re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 5:19pm
I don't really know what I'm intimidated by. I just can't really help it when I talk to people, but I can't look into their eyes. I mean, I can look into my parents eyes and my friends, but that's it. Other people around me, I just can't look! I'll stare pass their face or look down.
Also when I look into other people's faces and talk to them, I my heart races and I get nervous and choked up, so I look away.
#5re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 5:30pm
Are you shy? I do the same thing a lot with people I don't know (like you, it's not a problem with people I'm close to), but with teachers and stuff, I'll either look at them really quickly (and I mean, REALLY quickly) and then loom away. It's gotten better as I've tried to not think too hard about it, but I think it mostly stems from my shyness.
But, if you're the most outgoig person in the world, than I don't know why.
Dollypop
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#6re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 5:39pmIt sounds like you have an inferiority complex. In your case it may be justified.
I<3bway
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/14/06
#7re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 5:46pmActually I am really, really, really shy when it comes to talking to people. It probably comes from that.
Dollypop
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#8re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 5:49pm
So rather than deal with it, you do all your communicating through a computer?
Sad. Terribly sad.
JohnBoy2
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/06
#9re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 5:49pmI still say you might benefit from a neuropsych analysis. Most people who find it impossible to make eye contact, are on the Autism spectrum.
#10re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 5:57pmI bet 90% of this board is on the autism spectrum.
FranklinShepard-Inc.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/25/04
#11re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 5:59pmlol, I do hope you're wrong, Rath, I really do.
neddyfrank2
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/23/05
#12re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 6:01pmI can't do it either. I look above people or to the side of them. And I am very aware that I am doing it, I just can't do it. I think looking at people in the eye makes it really akward.
picturetaker9211
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/06
#13re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 6:02pm
I also have that problem. My eyes kind of wander sometimes. Maybe I'm just ADD?
What is the austism spectrum?
-Gilda Radner
#14re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 6:04pmI do that too!
#15re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 6:04pmStill doubting me, FS-Inc?
FranklinShepard-Inc.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/25/04
#16re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 6:11pm
*lol* well, I don't doubt you on the fact that there are quite a few here who have that problem, yet I doubt it'll be anything near 90%. But, hey, who knows...
btw I do tend to look into people's eyes, but maybe I'm in the minority here...
#17re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 6:38pm
While I happen to agree that there are MANY on the autism spectrum on this board, not being able to make eye contact due to intimidation or a self esteem issue is hardly a sign of autism.
duroc
Broadway Star Joined: 12/25/05
#18re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 6:55pmI sometimes have trouble looking people in the eye... not so much anymore. I<3bway, can you look your friends in the eye? You may want to try it with people you are more confortable around first, then work your way to making a habit of it, with meeting new people.
crywoof
Chorus Member Joined: 10/5/06
#20re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 7:49pm
To go with crywoof's post:
Vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra
Salve, Salve Regina
Ad te clamamus exsules filii Eva
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
O clemens O pia
actor
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/14/06
#21re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 7:51pmI'm incredibly outgoing, so I barely ever have this problem.
#22re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 8:04pmI'm not good at looking people in the eye either, but I just keep working at it. It's mostly because I am ridiculously shy, and also because when someone is talking to me, it helps more to look at their mouth while they're talking, since my hearing is not always the best.
#23re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 8:12pm
I always tend to look people in the eye, and it does tend to make it extremely awkward. It's not all that worth it. :)
But really, start with people you feel comfortable with, and go from there. Clearly, you're not the only one with this problem, and everyone here has really good advice. Good luck.
Updated On: 10/7/06 at 08:12 PM
The Grovers Corners Yenta
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/3/04
#24re: I Can't Look People in The Eye
Posted: 10/7/06 at 8:16pmI used to have that problem. I spent many years in therapy and worked hard at it. Do it, because it is worth it.
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