sometimes, a parent will look directly into the eyes of a child to determine whether the child is telling the truth or lying. Folklore persists in the continuance of such notions as “The eyes are the windows of the soul”, which indicates how people have always relied on the eyes for information.

Ancient kings are reported to have looked at the eyes of messengers before accepting their messages; if the messenger was disbelieved he might be put to death! Thus, throughout history people have always placed a great reliance on the eyes to gain information and to determine truth.

When we originally initiate a relationship with someone else we inevitably, look at the person’s eyes; this is particularly apparent in social relationships. Panhandlers use the eyes of prospective donors as a gage to determine if the person is likely to donate money to them or refuse their request. Muggers have reported that they use the eyes of potential victims as an important factor to ascertain fear or a lack of confidence. In social encounters it is virtually impossible to maintain a conversation with someone who does not respond with at least a semblance of eye contact. Psychiatrists generally use eye contact to gain an initial form of communication with prospective patients; this has been noted as being particularly effective in the treatment of schizophrenics. Studies have shown that when demonstrators and protesters achieve eye contact with the police they are less likely to be treated violently.

Should we choose to ignore someone we cannot achieve eye contact with? Research has shown that once two people achieve some form of eye contact the person must be dealt with. Eye contact forces the recognition of another human being. Animals have also been observed to use eye contact to “size up” another threatening creature. Waiters, waitresses, and butlers have been trained to refrain from direct eye contact with those they are serving in order to maintain a social distance from the person. Job interviewers also use eye contact to indicate interest or a lack of interest in the candidate.

In society, gazes are used to inform other people of our interest, or concern for them. Social rules dictate whom we can look at, for how long, and when we can look at them. Most individuals are very sensitive about being stared at and will react in some way if the look continues. Many people feel that they have a “sixth sense” which gives them a feeling if someone is gazing at them without their knowledge.

Staring is often used to show concern or displeasure with someone else. Elementary school teachers use the stare perfectly as a method to quiet a disruptive student. Many people discuss how they “stare someone else down”, as a way to show how staring can indicate their mood and feelings. People who are considered inferior in general society can often be stared at with little response; thus, such people as beggars, children or the homeless are looked at but do not look back.

When we blink at someone, we show a feeling of flirting or interest. Thus, the precocious female will repeatedly blink at the male to whom she is flirting. People who are truly in love for the first time find it difficult to take their eyes from one another. People also blink or close their eyes to show displeasure with someone else. Thus, when a person closes his eyes while addressing someone, he is telling the person that he considers his opinions of little merit.