Eye Contact Sure Is Tough...

[Prince Romeo]

It's even scary for me sometimes, depending on who I have to speak with. I particularly struggle to hold eye contact for what would be considered a normal length of time with people I find to be either very attractive or downright intimidating. Unfortunately, many people mistaken this gesture as a lack of respect and perceive it as rudeness. Am I the only one who really has a hard time with this? I already tried some of what people will suggest to recover from poor eye contact; looking at the bridge of the nose, the brow, e.t.c. or practicing in the mirror and with vlogs but I guess I don't do it enough because this is still very hard for me. Some days, oddly, it's a piece of cake. I don't get it. :/

[psych_student92]

That's the nature of anxiety unfortunately, it fluctuates from day to day, which makes it sooo much more frustrating because you remember the days that you were able to do things e.g. maintain eye contact, and wonder why you can't do it this time. Try maintaining eye contact as much as you can though - unfortunately there's no magic technique for making it easier, exposure really is one of the best ways to overcome your fears!

[Kirk]

Many people have difficulty making eye contact, even if they don't have anxiety. I saw a physician years ago who would not look
at me while he was talking to me. He just looked at his computer screen.