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How Do Eyes Frame Truth and Emotion?

Your eyes give you away. A split-second, angled glance speaks volumes to the person facing you.

You may be rolling your eyes, thinking: "Come on. A quick glance up means something?"

Yes. Every tick, every angle, every number of blinks.

Think of your iris (your eye's colored circle). Researchers have measured 360 degree shifts of the iris to decipher our non-verbal communication. Those little movements mean big messages. Here's how those findings translate to you:


1. Length of a look



Have you ever wondered about that guy who made eye contact with you in Starbucks? Is he attracted? Or do you have a smear of latte foam on your face?

Here's how "the glance" breaks down. Two seconds or less is purely investigational. A noise might have distracted the guy and he looked your way.

If his look is at least four seconds...watch out! Once you break the four second threshold, attraction is in play. He's interested. He likes what he sees and is curious for more.

And, sure, you're not timing those glances, more like we feel the difference.

Now you're forewarned the next time you're in Starbucks.



2. Looking up
This shows thinking. Any teachers or moms out there? If your student/child looks up while doing homework or practicing their spelling words, then you most likely have a visual thinker on your hands. They need images to process information. The speller is picturing the word.

This next part gets a little sticky.

Looking upwards to the left typically means recalling information. Looking upwards to the right means someone is constructing a picture. This can also indicate lying. Ouch!

A simple truth is we all lie to some degree.

The left and right looks can be switched, too. The direction is dependent on which side is dominant for the person. Just ask someone to recall a simple fact and notice which way they glance up. Then ask them to imagine something and look at their eye direction. That's how you'll know their pattern.


3. Looks of Lust and Love 



Ever heard the term doe eyes? Eyes go soft and gewy over a love interest. Muscles relax around the eye. Focus changes. You're trying to take in the whole person because this is love and lust rolled into one look. The gaze is prolonged, pupils dilate, and eyes look shiny.

Historical romance buffs will like this: Ancient Egyptian and Babylonian women put belladonna in their eyes to lure men with dark, glossy-eyed looks. Don't try that home! While belladonna is a pretty plant, it's also poisonous. I used belladonna in my book, Meet the Earl at Midnight, but not for eye lust.

Whether you're communicating love, lust, or lies, your eyes speak volumes.

What are you saying to people today?

Thanks for stopping by today. Got any "eye" contact Starbucks stories you want to share?

Comments

  1. Nice, Gina. My eyes will be saying, "no interruptions and no delays!" because I'm on a huge mission today. (my kids know this look well and will stay clear). People at Starbucks will give me a wide berth...just sayin'. LOL

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    1. LOL! I love it! I get a stone face that pretty much tells people "steer clear, don't engage." And if I get cranky, my husband gently asks me if I need some alone time. It's nice to be understood, isn't it? Whatever your mission is today, may you accomplish much.
      Gina

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  2. Love it! My eyes are saying that they're glued to the computer and no one best take them away from it today since I'm working on deadline! No flirting this day for them...not even one of those quick glances!

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    1. Thanks Carolyn. The only flirting will be on the page. I understand completely. I'm on the second day of a PJ-wearing binge, my laptop stuck in place. Best wishes to you. May your fingers fly over the keyboard.
      Gina

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  3. If anyone gives me the "eyes" it's probably because I have something in my hair or food on my shirt. I have 4 kids. LOL. I have gotten looks before that seriously make me check myself because I'm sure it's not appreciation. ;)
    My eyes are used to catch my kids before they do something so they probably say "I see what you are doing". :)

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    1. So you fall under the "latte foam" on your chin category. With 4 kids you are a busy woman. Really, there ought to be something written about the mom look. Some mom's can render a room silent with one look! Sounds like your life is full and fun. Your kids keep you on your toes.
      Gina

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  4. I am an eye roller and my husband hates it but I think it's better to roll the eyes than say what I am thinking lol. Interesting post. Have to check which direction my husband's eyes go lol.

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    1. You must be a big "eye" communicator, and your looks speak volumes to your husband. Marriages are such an intricate dance of communication and understanding. I tend to give a slanted look that says: "you want to rethink that." I'm glad you found the post interesting. Have fun checking your husband's eye language. :-)
      Gina

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  5. No eye contact stories at Starbucks for me. Good thing too because my husband wouldn't appreciate that! Catslady, I tend to roll my eyes too. I don't even realize I'm doing it.

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    1. Ok, but there's probably been some pre-husband eye contact stories. Actually, I meant this to be more romance-y slanted, but my nerdness got in the way.

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  6. For the 10th anniversary of North and South, I'll be watching it with doe eyes today. ;)

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  7. I like the look that doesn't skitter away when you catch it. The one that says, "Yes, you're right. I'm looking at YOU. Are you looking back?"

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  8. I'm usually told I look angry when all I'm doing is concentrating on a task. So I must have a very intense eye expression when I'm focused on something.

    All my Starbucks stories are of the foam-on-the-face kind, not lustful longing. ;-)

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