Ways to Overcome Eye Contact Anxiety in Relationships

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Be open with your partner

“Nothing beats a failure but a try.” The adage is tried and true. If you continue to try and practice as much as possible.

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Remember to breathe

When discerning how to make eye contact, a suitable method is to remember deep breathing exercises. Anxiety tends to quicken the heart rate creating stress and a panic reflex.

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Don’t stare

When looking at the other person or your partner, relax your peering by choosing an area to focus on, maybe between their eyes instead of directly into their eye, sort of no-eye-contact eye contact.

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The rules may vary

Some percentage rules are suggested, and you can follow these however you feel comfortable, perhaps 60-40 or vice versa.

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Look away

In that same vein, you don’t want to stare at your partner or even someone else, consistently when talking to them. Maintaining a comfortable level of looking and looking away is essential.

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Start with one person at a time

Public speaking is scary for nearly everyone bringing the question of how to maintain eye contact at one of these events. In order to get through the session,

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One eye, not both

No one can look at both eyes of a person at the same time. That’s virtually impossible. Try to concentrate on one eye, so you don’t appear weird in your attempt to hold a productive conversation.

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“Triangular focus”

Switch your focus as you talk. When you’re paying attention to navigating your gaze between three different areas, it won’t come off as so intimidating for you after a while.

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Move your gaze gradually

Don’t use “jerky” movements when maneuvering your gaze from place to place, whether on your partner’s face or around the room.

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Ways to Overcome Eye Contact Anxiety in Relationships

Cross
Burst