Look me in the eyes
By Joanie
@Freelanzer (10744)
Canada
October 17, 2015 2:48pm CST
How often have you spoken to someone whose eyes wander all over or they are constantly checking their phone messages? It is not a great feeling to be on the other side of that inattention. When meeting or talking with someone, be prepared to give them your undivided attention. It is rude to say "hold that thought" while you check your phone. Think about it. You won't be talking to that person all day, perhaps it would be just a few minutes in your busy day so focus on the person, look them in the eyes and give them your attention for just a moment. The same goes if you are out with a friend for coffee or dinner - give that person your attention by listening to what they have to say and by not allowing anything to interfere with your interaction.
Image Credit Piaby
12 people like this
12 responses
@Freelanzer (10744)
• Canada
17 Oct 15
I guess they are giving a hint that they don't really care what you have to say if they are not paying attention. In that case they will get the message when you walk away.
@Missmwngi (12926)
• Nairobi, Kenya
17 Oct 15
It somehow relays the message that they are not interested with what you have to say or what you are out to do
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10744)
• Canada
17 Oct 15
True and that is the time to leave them to their other persuits
1 person likes this
@Missmwngi (12926)
• Nairobi, Kenya
18 Oct 15
@Freelanzer Exactly. If someone's phone or business is more important than you better leave
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
18 Oct 15
I like to talk to people that give me their attention and cut the conversation short when they don't. Obviously I'm not that important, so I leave them to do what they prefer to do. Wow, nice picture. I have to figure out how to do that.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10744)
• Canada
18 Oct 15
What if they keep saying "yes", "aha" "I see" while not looking at you, you may have the false sense that they are still hearing you.
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
18 Oct 15
I can understand if a call comes into their phone while they are talking to you and they say 'excuse me , do you mind if I answer that.', but they really should ask them to call back. Otherwise if their phone is more important to them than you, you might as well leave them to it.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10744)
• Canada
18 Oct 15
I can understand that too but you don't have to be rude about it, even though I am sure they are not thinking they are doing anything wrong.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10744)
• Canada
17 Oct 15
Making eye contact is more important for those with hearing impairment. Even those who are not, they become hearing impaired to a certain extent if they don't look at the person speaking. I need to look at someone to really hear what they are saying.
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
22 Oct 15
it is remarkably ignorant of people who do that - I have even been at public meetings and forums where attenders have fumbled with phones while pretending to listen.
@Tampa_girl7 (49115)
• United States
18 Oct 15
I agree, it is rude to not give someone our total attention.
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
18 Oct 15
There were times that I felt like cellphones should be banned in places like restaurants. It's just annoying when people act like they're obliged to pay undivided attention to the phone.
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
17 Oct 15
if'n folks do that when we're visitin', i jest leave. its jest rude 'n i think its shameful that so many've adopted this manner.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40063)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Oct 15
Yes, it is so important to keep eye contact when you are talking to someone. People are starting to forget that.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10744)
• Canada
17 Oct 15
I do realize that in situations like yours you really can't help it. I also know in some cultures they see it as lack of respect to look someone in the eyes. I remember having to counsel people looking for work about the need to get over their cultural inhibitions and make eye contact if they want the job.
