People decide if you’re confident in the first 3 seconds of meeting you.
And the #1 giveaway? Your eyes.
Break eye contact too soon → you look insecure.
Stare too long → you look aggressive or weird.
The sweet spot is simple: 3 seconds.
👉 Action for Today (Step-by-Step)
Practice this with classmates, coworkers, or even strangers today:
- Look Up First – When someone looks at you, don’t dart your eyes away. Lift your head slightly and meet their gaze.
- Hold It – Count slowly in your head: “One… two… three.” Keep your expression relaxed.
- Add a Micro-Smile – After 3 seconds, give a small smile or nod. This signals warmth instead of tension.
- Break Smoothly – Look away calmly (not down at the floor). Shift your gaze to the side or to something neutral, then back if the convo continues.
- Repeat – Do this at least 5 times today: cashier, classmate, barista, even a stranger walking past. The reps will kill the awkwardness.
⚡ Why this works:
- Holding eye contact for 3 seconds signals confidence without intimidation.
- The micro-smile makes you approachable, not cold.
- Every rep retrains your brain to stay calm instead of panicking.
💬 Drop in the comments: Who will you try the 3-second eye contact rule with today?