There’s a new study out that’s been getting a lot of buzz that has concluded that human beings are happiest when they’re focusing on what they’re doing, and not daydreaming, etc. I find this to be especially true with social interaction. When you’re really zoned in on what another person is saying, you can really feel yourself easing up and bonding with them. It’s too easy to focus more on yourself, on your own flaws or whatever, but 99% of the time, you can get more enjoyment from just really zoning in on other people when they talk. You can think better, figure out how to respond better, and they feel more fulfilled from talking to you. Oftentimes, this also results in the making of friends.
Life is just so much better when we’re making eye contact with other people. When we aren’t, we’re likely daydreaming or looking at the ground or at nothing – you know, when you aren’t really looking at something, you’re just looking away from something or someone? That’s something I’m trying to cut out in a big way. Because it’s just completely lame, right?
It’s a lot harder to come up with great responses when you aren’t really dialed in to what someone is saying. My biggest social project for myself is to stop doing things that for whatever reason make me feel ashamed and inhibit my ability to seamlessly zone in to other people. Because life is just so much better when you’re making eye contact.
I totally agree. I really enjoy looking into peoples eyes when they talk. Not only does it take away distractions but it lets the other person know you are interested in what he or she is saying.
ReplyDeleteWhat sucks for me, though, is that I can't find people that what to talk...face to face that is. Texting and facebook have become to prominent that it is just "easier" to send a message via those rather than talking over coffee or tea. When did meeting for coffee become such a hassle?
Anyway, good thoughts.