Have you ever made eye contact with someone? Was the glare so intense that you started planning the wedding and picking out baby names? Or did it make you shudder and feel naked?
For centuries, the eyes have been known as the gateway to the soul. They are able to show a myriad of emotions, with our without any effort from the beholder.
So what, exactly, does that gaze from your crush mean?
1. The romantic, I’m-attracted-to-you gaze
According to the Science of People, gazing is a strong way to show that you are interested in someone.
There are three types of gazing: social, intimate and power gazing.
Social gazing is the least aggressive and involves looking from the eyes to the mouth. It’s a way to show that you are comfortable with speaking to the person.
Power gazing involves looking from the eyes to the forehead and avoiding looking at the mouth, which is considered an intimate area.
Intimate gazing gives off the most aggressive message: “Let’s be intimate.” This involves looking from the person’s eyes, then to the mouth, and eventually landing on the lower body. This doesn’t mean you should keep your eyes on the lower body for too long—just a glance, and then return your focus to their eyes. After all, you don’t want to come off as intimidating and scare them off.
If someone gives you this look, that means they are attracted to you.
2. The dang-girl-that-body gaze.
This stare involves the person looking at your body for more than ten seconds. You might think that’s not a long time, but when someone is sizing up your assets, it can feel like a century.
Net Places says that this is an easy way to scare someone off.
To show admiration for someone’s body, a quick glance is all you need.
3. The peek-a-boo
This move involves stealing glances whenever you can. It means letting your eyes wander—and when you get caught staring, you look away. LovetoKnow says that this is a warm up for more intense flirting. It’s also a more polite way to flirt, instead of the full-on staring contest, but it still shows that you’re interested.
Of course, on the other end of the spectrum, you have the ultimate creep stare.
4. Le creep
This stare makes you shudder and feel uncomfortable. It is usually accompanied by a smirk and is a red flag. Run.
But, if you’re daring, respond with:
Stay beautiful, collegiates!