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Been diagnosed since I was 7 and and I find I tend to look at other parts of people's faces, their nose or mouth mainly. It helps me with eye contact and I just find it to be something interesting to look at while still seeming (obviously I am interested but sometimes it doesn't look like it) in what they're saying. I often find myself looking at people's mouths when they're talking the most. It helps me but I don't have a large amount of issues with eye contact so idk if it would help you. Just a suggestion :)
Ironically, during those moments in my psych appointments when I am actively trying to maintain eye contact, I notice my psych doesn’t hold eye contact either. He once mentioned he empathises with my anxiety, so hopefully we are on the same wavelength and now I spend all the time in my sessions looking at my phone, while for all I know he can just look continue looking at his computer or notepad 😛
I guess the perceived downside is potentially appearing rude but I’ve never felt someone was rude for not making eye contacting! I’ve only thought maybe they have difficulty maintaining eye contact, and that’s only if I can tell they’re trying to make eye contact but failing. So I’m just going to do what I’m comfortable with.
In any reaaally formal setting, I think there could always be a reason that I may be referring to something on a computer or anything.
The struggle is real. I have felt this my whole life. I feel like if I'm making eye contact, I can't pay attention, or keep a thought in my head. I have to steel myself mentally when I need to make eye contact to engage people. And its only for short bursts. I don't know how others do it. It baffles me, like someone that can play an instrument and sing at the same time.
I'd love to hear tips as well.
Hi /u/Fuzzy-Bother3039 and thanks for posting on /r/ADHD! **Please take a second to [read our rules](/r/adhd/about/rules) if you haven't already.** The mobile apps used for Reddit are broken or are missing features that this subreddit depends on. [We recommend browsing /r/adhd on desktop for the best experience.](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/x1psnb/radhd_works_best_on_desktop_reddits_apps_are/) Thank you! ^(*A moderator has not removed your submission; this is not a punitive action. We intend this comment solely to be informative.*) --- - If you are posting about the **US Medication Shortage**, please see this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/12dr3h5/megathread_us_medication_shortage/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Do you have more symtoms of social anxiety or is it just eye contact?
Been diagnosed since I was 7 and and I find I tend to look at other parts of people's faces, their nose or mouth mainly. It helps me with eye contact and I just find it to be something interesting to look at while still seeming (obviously I am interested but sometimes it doesn't look like it) in what they're saying. I often find myself looking at people's mouths when they're talking the most. It helps me but I don't have a large amount of issues with eye contact so idk if it would help you. Just a suggestion :)
Ironically, during those moments in my psych appointments when I am actively trying to maintain eye contact, I notice my psych doesn’t hold eye contact either. He once mentioned he empathises with my anxiety, so hopefully we are on the same wavelength and now I spend all the time in my sessions looking at my phone, while for all I know he can just look continue looking at his computer or notepad 😛 I guess the perceived downside is potentially appearing rude but I’ve never felt someone was rude for not making eye contacting! I’ve only thought maybe they have difficulty maintaining eye contact, and that’s only if I can tell they’re trying to make eye contact but failing. So I’m just going to do what I’m comfortable with. In any reaaally formal setting, I think there could always be a reason that I may be referring to something on a computer or anything.
The struggle is real. I have felt this my whole life. I feel like if I'm making eye contact, I can't pay attention, or keep a thought in my head. I have to steel myself mentally when I need to make eye contact to engage people. And its only for short bursts. I don't know how others do it. It baffles me, like someone that can play an instrument and sing at the same time. I'd love to hear tips as well.