You’ve probably heard before that it’s essential to make eye contact when speaking to someone; but you may not realize the power of eye contact in a relationship. If you’re looking to strengthen your relationship with your loved ones, it can help learning how to maintain eye contact.
This powerful application can impact both our mental health and relationships. It can enhance empathy, trust, and social connection, while a lack of eye contact can lead to discomfort, distrust, and disconnection. Eye contact is important in communication for sharing emotions and building connections.
Parents can connect and strengthen their bond with their children. Couples can improve their romantic relationships, build stronger friendships, or make their professional connections stronger. This leads to better communication and deeper connections with others in general.
Scientists have discovered when two people hold each other’s gazes, they connect on a whole new level. This is a foundation for successful communication¹, and for bonding.
¹ Cañigueral, Roser, and Antonia F de C Hamilton. “The Role of Eye Gaze During Natural Social Interactions in Typical and Autistic People.” Frontiers in Psychology, Frontiers Media S.A., 15 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6428744/.
PUT INTO PRACTICE
Each day of the week choose to have an eye-to-eye conversation with your loved ones
Look into their eyes and tell them how valuable and important they are to you. You will see the difference it can make!