Not being looked in the eye when talking with someone

Someone raised this today in a resurrected thread about being diagnosed with autism as an adult. Odd to happen twice in one day.

I do not judge, there are many reasons.
My one grandson is autistic
And my other grandson has an eye condition, which has caused photophobia.
I also am photophobic and like my grandson wear dark glasses outside and inside.
This means that although I am look at a the person speaking to me, that person can not see my eyes behind the glasses.
We all walk our own path .

Is inference a dangerous tool?

But in some cultures it is rude not to look directly
It is what it is, some people are shy, some just accept that some do, some don’t, some can, some can’t, some will,some won’t
We re all different

I always thought that it was polite to look away at times when people are talking to you rather than constant eye contact.

Glad you seem to be getting out and about so you have become aware of these things.

I find it a little bit uncomfortable if someone looks into my face too much.

I wouldn't judge someone who didnt make prolonged eye contact because I suspect I may a bit evasive myself.

Agree with vs

Definitely a cultural issue - and not easily identified as many cultures that traditionally didn't look people in the eye find that younger people do so more.
And many on the autism spectrum, although a few will stare quite fixedly!
So mostly, I don't infer a great deal, other than being aware that their 'cues' aren't the same as mine.
And I can assure you that a lot of very practised liars look people in the eye very directly!

Or all three.
Why do you ask, SD?

Germanshepherdsmum

Autism, shyness or lying.

Just so.

Autism, shyness or lying.

it may also be cultural. in some countries it is considered rude, arrogant to look people in the eye. like a challenge. as if starting a fight.
and staring is definitely rude, or aggressive, or uncouth. unwelcome.
so it's a fine line, maybe.

I am terrible at eye contact, too much or too little.

I dont think it means anything about people being engaged and interested in talking to anyone

It can also be a cultural thing, as some cultures believe looking directly at someone is a sign of disrespect.
Others may be anxious or shy, so find eye contact difficult, and others may be hard of hearing, so unaware that someone has spoken to them.
There will be other reasons, too, but these are a few.

I’m not usually looking anyone in the eye thanks to eye problems! I tend to tilt my head in their direction and I do look towards them,

It’s possible that the person could be on the autism spectrum. Some people on the spectrum avoid eye contact.

I either feel uncomfortable, or assume, rightly or wrongly that the other person is also feeling that way, and try to put them at ease (I have been labelled a 'people pleaser' before).