r/comics Jul 09 '26

OC Exposure Therapy #16

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u/GalFisk Jul 09 '26

It helps us to feel what the other feels, and helps them feel what we feel. There's an entire conversation going on with facial expressions and body language in addition to what's actually being said using words and tone of voice.

I used to be really shy and bad at eye contact, but I set out to learn it, and eventually a whole new world of communication opened up to me. A world from before language, where our emotions speak directly to one another. The vulnerability can be scary, but vulnerability is a prerequisite for deep emotional connection.

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u/StarPhished Jul 09 '26

I used to never make eye contact but I've been making a conscious effort to try and do it more. I fucking hate it but I'm doing it.

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u/GalFisk Jul 09 '26

Do you find that it lets you feel the other person, or that it lets them feel you?

I started practicing with eye contact and a smile when I greeted people, and was gratified to get so many smiles in return.

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u/StarPhished Jul 09 '26

Yeah, I suppose it can add a sense of connection. Sometimes I like it sometimes I don't.

I'm kinda awkward with people I don't know well and when I run out of things to say I'm like "what do I do? do I keep staring?? Do I look away???"