Sushmita Sen on why having no eye contact is the ‘greatest disrespect’

Taking a cue from the 48-year-old, we asked Arouba Kabir, emotional and mental health professional, and founder, Enso Wellness on why what Sushmita Sen said matters.

Stating that eye contact is more than just a polite or attentive gesture, Kabir said: “It’s a way to build a pathway to how we communicate, build relationships, and boost our confidence. Whether you’re talking to someone, speaking somewhere, expressing gratitude, or asking for help, the way you use eye contact can make a significant difference.”

According to the mental health professional, it helps establish trust and connection. “When you talk to somebody while maintaining eye contact, it’s like giving a firm handshake with your eyes. It shows that you’re engaged and interested, helping to build trust and a genuine connection. Imagine trying to tell someone you’re grateful while staring at their feet — it’s like saying, “Thanks, but I’m also contemplating the meaning of life down here'”, Kabir continued.

Adding that it helps facilitate emotional understanding, as eyes are often called the windows to the soul, she told indianexpress.com: “Maintaining eye contact allows you to pick up on subtle emotional cues, making you a master at reading the room. Without it, you might miss out on important signals, like when someone’s expression screams, ‘I’m fine!’ but their eyes say, ‘Save me!'”

What more? It enhances confidence and communication. It also shows that you believe in what you’re saying and are not afraid to be seen.

Always maintain eye contact (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

People feel your respect and your mindfulness. “Eye contact is like giving someone a VIP pass to your attention. It tells the other person that they matter and that you’re fully present in the conversation. Respect should be given to anybody and everybody irrespective of their designation for social stature,” noted Kabir.

 

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Eye contact isn’t just a minor detail; it’s a major player in the game of communication.

“Whether you’re having a deep conversation or just trying to avoid looking like you’re hiding something, mastering the art of eye contact can help you make a lasting impact and strengthen your connections,” shared Arouba Kabir.