When I use the term "eye contact," I think that I'm more talking about "face contact," at least from a distance. I think that I look into someone's eyes at the beginning, and then back off and look at their face as a whole. Although I probably do look into eyes more than most just because of my retail background, when I found it useful to handselling books and chatting with customers.
I know so many people who always remember someone's eye color, but I very rarely remember that aspect of someone's face, for some reason. Eyes have to be really outstanding for me to notice their color (Paul Newman baby blues, Karl Urban's gorgeous browns).
From way back: I don't think having a service heart and wanting some appreciation or at least to know you're doing some good are mutually exclusive. That's a pretty human motivation. Ideally and theoretically, service for its own sake, yes; practically, I will always enjoy a thank you.
Me, too, Kathy. Both the retail training and the eye color not noticing.
Andi, reply to them for suggestions and guidelines for an electronic signature they will accept.
First - Happy Birthday to vw!
I make eye contact pretty freely and frequently. I also smile, wave at, and talk to strangers. Fortunately most places I have lived accept this behavior. I seem to attract the touchy huggy people too. When I visit my customer offices the doctors and staff often hug me.
This is a separate thing from the eye contact that results in strong emotional response either disturbing or inspirational. I've encountered both and it is disconcerting to say the least.
huh, I only hit post once
Laura, have I mentioned that one of my favorite parts of the F2F was when you went up to TCG and said, "You don't know me, but I am going to hug you anyway."
I don't think I make eye contact with people very often, especially people I don't know. ETA: But I always did with customers when I worked in retail.
I make eye contact with someone when I first meet them, because that was drilled into me as a kid. It still doesn't feel natural, but it's just part of the shake hands, say "Nice to meet you" ritual.
I just took the Scion zipcar to Trader Joe's. I like driving it. It's not perfect, but it's definitely comfortable. I can reach the pedals without having to get right up against the steering wheel, and I was able to get in and out of the really annoying Zipcar parking spot without too much trouble, so that means that I can see in all the directions I need to see. (To get the car out of this spot, you need to back up a steep uphill ramp, with another car right where it would be logical to go, so you end up having to go diagonally backwards uphill.)
Happy Birthday, vw! Wishing you cake! With sparklers!
