Eye contact is one of the most powerful forms of nonverbal communication. Before we say a single word, our eyes can communicate confidence, interest, attention, discomfort, attraction, nervousness, or emotional connection. That is why eye contact plays such an important role in friendships, romantic relationships, interviews, conversations, and social interactions. Holding someone's gaze for a comfortable amount of time can communicate that you are genuinely listening and engaged in the conversation. At the same time, prolonged staring can feel intense or uncomfortable, so context and personal boundaries matter. During emotionally meaningful conversations, natural eye contact can help people feel more connected and understood. Looking away can also communicate many different things depending on the situation: someone may be thinking, feeling shy, processing emotions, feeling uncomfortable, or simply giving their eyes a break. Body language is rarely about one universal signal. Facia...