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👁️

Eyesmoderate reliabilityobvious

Sustained Eye Contact

Maintaining direct eye contact for extended periods, typically 3-5 seconds or longer.

ConfidenceDominanceInterestAttraction

Visual Description

Direct, unwavering gaze focused on the other person's eyes without frequent breaks.

Duration: sustainedVisibility: obvious

How to Observe

Note the duration and breaks in eye contact
Observe if eye contact feels natural or forced
Check for accompanying facial expressions

Context Matters

•Cultural norms vary significantly
•Power dynamics affect interpretation
•Romantic vs professional context
•May indicate aggression in some contexts

Common Misinterpretations

⚠Assumed to always mean honesty
⚠Can be mistaken for aggression
⚠May be trained behavior masking deception

Cultural Variations

Westernsame

Confidence and honesty

East Asiandifferent

Can be seen as disrespectful or challenging

Middle Easterndifferent

Expected between same gender, varies with opposite

Response Strategies

→Match appropriate level of eye contact
→Use breaks to reduce intensity if needed
→Combine with nodding to show engagement

Signal Clusters

Engagement Cluster

Signs of active interest and engagement

Sustained Eye Contact Head Tilt Forward Lean Open Posture

Significance: High engagement and positive regard

Quick Info

Primary Signal

Confidence

Body Region

👁️Eyes

Reliability

moderate

Duration

sustained

Visibility

obvious

Related Cues

Opposite Signals

Eye Contact Avoidance