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?