Windows To The Soul: Understanding Eye Movements

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They say that the eyes are windows to the soul. Reading the eyes of another person is a very useful skill in revealing one’s inner thoughts, emotions, personality, and so much more. There is just so much to discover from the language of the eyes, even more than what words can convey since they are an important part of nonverbal communication.

Here are some basic eye movements that you can easily spot so you can better unravel another person’s secrets.

 

  • The Rapid Blinking

The usual blinking rate for men and women is six to ten times per minute. However, research shows that a person’s blinking rate increases more than twice or thrice the normal levels whenever they are troubled or nervous. Dr. Liji Thomas, MD says that “The rate of blinking increases when you’re talking, when you’re nervous, in pain, or when you’re exposed to very bright lights. Frequent blinking may also occur as a nervous tic in some people.”

 

You don’t believe me? Try looking up famous politicians giving a press conference or celebrities talking to the media. Some researchers have found that these people blink more often than usual under that kind of stress.

 

  • The Intimate Gaze

Most of the time, holding a long gaze and maintaining intense eye contact signifies a person’s romantic or sexual attraction. If the person’s eyes tend to look towards your lips, breasts, or, God forbid, your groin area, they are probably having intimate thoughts and sexual fantasies about you.

 

Of course, context is also important. “Staring directly into someone’s eyes causes an arousal reaction. How that arousal is interpreted, however, depends on the parties involved and the circumstances.” emphasized Dr. Ronald E. Riggio Ph.D. If your boss gazes at you, it’s probably not a good idea to flirt or make sexual advances. Superiors often impose their power through this.

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  • The Stressful Squinting

Frequently squinting usually happens when a person doesn’t like you, disagrees with what you’re saying, or can’t quite comprehend what you just said. It could also mean that the person is suspicious of you or doesn’t trust you.

 

Don’t get down in the dumps though! If it’s something you said, the best course of action would be just to clarify the matter or ask the other person what it was that bothered them. If it’s something else entirely, I’m sorry to tell you that I’m no miracle worker.

 

  • The Darting Eyes

Whenever one’s eyes are restlessly darting from side to side, this indicates a person’s insecurity. Shifty eyes mean that he or she probably wants to find a quick escape from the conversation. When this happens, it would not be wise to ask the other person what the matter is or what he or she is looking at.

 

Give the other person some space. Conversations can be tiring as well for some people, and everyone needs a little break once in a while. “It seems that people who make quick movements, at least eye movements, tend to be less willing to wait,” says Reza Shadmehr, Ph.D.

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It would take forever to discuss the many eye movements that reveal a person’s character. There are more subtle eye movements that even the most observant people can miss at first. At the same time, there are so many obvious eye movements that even a child could guess what the other person is thinking.

 

No matter how much someone tries to hide their deepest thoughts, the eyes are dead giveaways. Next time you meet a stranger, pay attention to their eyes.