Why are People Unable to Look Straight into the Eyes of Each Other When in an El

1. 81

   ngurecoposted 14 years ago

   Why are People Unable to Look Straight into the Eyes of Each Other When in an Elevator? (minimum 150 words)

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2. 61

   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   It isn't that they're "unable" to.  It's more a matter of etiquette and generally being aware of normal social behavior.  People may make eye contact when they first get in the elevator, or if there's reason to make contact during the ride they may exchange quick looks. 
   
   Other than that, people generally don't want to appear to either by trying to engage the other person in conversation, confrontational, or (for lack of a better term) "weird".
   
   The fact that the elevator is closed in, and a crime could be committed behind the closed doors, makes it even more likely that people (especially men, concerned about appearing to be a potential threat) want to make it clear they have not interest in bothering the other person.  Another reason is that people who don't want to catch the attention of a "weirdo" know that making eye contact may do that.
   
   In many ways, and potential (relatively rare) threats aside, there is just a "normal social behavior" that kicks in more dramatically, as people find themselves in smaller spaces with strangers.

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3. 62

   Lady_Eposted 14 years ago

   Well, I'll speak for myself.  If I do not want to make conversation, small talk etc. I tend not to look anyone in the eye in the elevator.
   
   However, if I mistakenly do, (lol) I give them a quick smile and look away.

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4. 0

   danmayerisgodposted 14 years ago

   Have you ever been on an elevator with a stranger and found one or both of you unwilling or unable to make eye contact? Ever wonder why? Well, it kind of depends.  They say the eyes are the window to the soul. I'm not sure who "they" are, but they... read more

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5. 57

   Tamarii2posted 14 years ago

   IT HAPPENNED TO ME LOOKING AT SOMEONE ON ELEVATOR.I THOUGHT I KNEW THE PERSON
   AND I BELIEVE I COULD HAVE DIED IF THE DOOR DID NOT OPEN.PEOPLE DO NOT LIKE PEOPLE IN THEIR SPACE.IF YOU WANT TO LIVE LONGER DO NOT STARE AT PEOPLE WHEN THEY FEEL CLOSED IN.MY HUSBAND DID IT ONE TIME AND I ALMOST KNOCKED HIS SIDES OUT. WE WERE IN ANOTHER STATE HE WAS ON ELEVATOR STARING AT THIS WOMEN,IT HAD BEEN 15 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL.HE TOLD ME THAT THE GIRL IN THE BACK OF ELEVATOR MIGHT BE CLASSMATE.WE WERE VISTING FRIENDS NEVER BEEN TO THAT STATE.GUESS WHAT HE WAS RIGHT.BUT I WAS NOT ALL SMILE BECAUSE HE MADE HER FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE...SHE SAID...BUT ALL ENDED WELL.

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6. 60

   Gem-Gem-xposted 14 years ago

   Well only being 14, i dont really know these sorts of things in detail, but what i do know, is that in an elevator if there is someone your age you can too feel embarrassed. Also, if someone is looking at you, as you can feel it or even see it i just want to die.
   once me and some mates were in town, and we spilt coffee on our tights, so had to take them off. But we were wearing mini shorts, so you can imagine the type of looks we got in the elevator!

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   reeltaulkposted 14 years ago

   lol.....i think because you are sharing a tight space with a stranger/strangers, and there really be no connection outside of knowing who you are sharing this space with for the time that you are in case something shady were to take place.   If someone has an interest to stare in your face much less you eyes, then they are cruising you AKA trying to pick you up!!!  Yuk---
   
   Vonda G. Nelson

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8. 69

   ladyjane1posted 13 years ago

   Because its "AAAKKWWARDDD!!!!
   
   People in general do not like to look each other in the eyes in my opinion, being a hairdresser I learned to look people straight in the eyes when talking to them, so that we know that we are on the same page, but I have noticed when I talk to strangers and look them in the eye that they look away way before I do, I guess because Im used to doing it,it doesn't bother me, but in the case of an elevator, it's already a little awkward being in an elevator with strangers and doubly awkward to look someone in the eye as well. Cheers.

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   tattoodesigns.netposted 13 years ago

   Looking in the eye is not that awkward in my opinion. Just relax, and go with the flow. I think that most people feel judged when you stare and them and dont say anything.
   
   What I find even more awkward though is when you walk into an elevator, there are 2 or more people who were talking and they then stop.
   
   I don't know. Humans suck.

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    drbillfanninposted 13 years ago

    Are you gathering info for a Hub or article? Who asks for minimums?

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    Julie2posted 13 years ago

    I wouldn't do that at all. Born and raised in NY I know that is not something you would want to do, especially there. Not only would they think you are a freak but you may also get cursed out in front of everyone else that is in the elevator. I have glanced at people and have caught there eye for a second or two but that is all.
    
    What I have done is complimented people on an elevator if I like something that they were wearing or if the cologne or perfume they have on smells good. That is the extent I have gone to and I have gotten thank you's. Thats about it.

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12. 81

    badeggposted 13 years ago

    Because one of them farted. Once a person farts in an elevator, they look straight down at the floor.

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13. 57

    Precious Warrenposted 13 years ago

    I will tell you why, I don't do it... Half the time I don't know what to say or if I should say anything. We are only on there for a second and may not see that person again.
    
    It's just not on the elevator... it is also on the street, at a resturant and driving by in a car.
    
    We as humans sometimes do not want to be bumbarded with other humans issues or problems, we just want to get where we are going and not have to hold a meaningless conversation about something we could care less about.
    
    It's the same concept when we are walking in a hallway or in the path of someone else and we all of a sudden meet the other persons eye... we do a quick (fake) grin an avert our eyes in the other direction...

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