opia – n. the ambiguous intensity of eye contact
The entry for this says “so much can be said in a glance, “ which I think is very true. Most of the time eye contact is amazing. I think we can express a connection, a welcoming vibe, a neighborly willingness to talk.
I try to smile and make eye contact often in my travels. I feel this creates a more pleasant view of the world, and it often gets others to smile or at least grin. The same reason I wave to people often. They wave back.
I also wave to dogs and horses, though they don’t smile or wave back.
I think eye contact is mostly good, but I know it can be creepy. Certainly too many men stare at women, and there are those that project ill-will or bad intentions. I think we can sometimes wonder about an intense eye contact and the meaning behind it.
Casual eye contact, however, is something I think helps create bonds between us.
From the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows