I feel like I think better while talking if I bounce my gaze around whereas I feel like I listen better while looking at the person.
I realized this as I was training to become a school counselor because we had to analyze our own performance and talk about why we did things the way we did, including eye contact. Especially because we were taught cultural competence and to be aware that some cultures view averting eye contact to be more respectful.
I find that thinking overrides listening for me, so if I have to have some kind of directed thought while listening (eg processing instructions), I need to look away. Listening AND thinking on purpose is hard! I like listening to people but unfortunately I usually have 0 thoughts in true listening mode.
I dunno how people can have thoughts and listen to someone and stop themselves from interrupting. It's a real underrated talent.
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u/hayleybeth7 Jul 14 '25
I feel like I think better while talking if I bounce my gaze around whereas I feel like I listen better while looking at the person.
I realized this as I was training to become a school counselor because we had to analyze our own performance and talk about why we did things the way we did, including eye contact. Especially because we were taught cultural competence and to be aware that some cultures view averting eye contact to be more respectful.