This archive report was first published on 24 November 2019.
Have you ever noticed how you instinctively know when someone's eyes have met yours in the street? It's a phenomenon that's both fascinating and universal, with people from all over the world responding in the same way.
According to experts, the first sign of attraction is a shy smile, followed by a brief gaze and then a quick look away. This series of gestures is so distinctive that it must be an innate courtship ritual, shared by many courting animals.
But what's behind this universal response? Is it a learned behavior or an instinct that's hardwired into our brains? The answer lies in the fact that all women, regardless of their cultural background or upbringing, respond in the same way when a new male makes eye contact with them.
So, what happens when the male attention is unwelcome? If a guy looks at a pretty girl and her eyes avoid him or she looks up despairingly, it's time for him to move on. Men's body language is also automatic, with dominant individuals often displaying a chest thrust and leaning back in their chair.
But it's the gaze that really makes things happen. When men and women first catch sight of each other, they stare intently at each other for two or three seconds, with their pupils dilating in response. This exchange of eye contact has an immediate and powerful effect on a very primitive part of our brain, triggering attraction or anxiety in both men and women.
So, the next time you find yourself caught up in a moment of eye contact, remember that it's not just a coincidence. It's a primal response that's been hardwired into our brains, guiding us towards or away from potential mates.
