TAKE IT EASY WITH THE STARE, IT IS RUDE!

 The Urban Dictionary defines a stare as ‘to continuously look at someone/ thing for a while; often considered very rude’. It is only natural for us to look at others, c’mon, we’ve got eyes. When it lingers however, it is rude. At some point or the other we have been stared at or even stared at others. People with physical disabilities, scars, overweight/ underweight, well/ shabbily dressed often get stared at. I see these and I wonder how people living with disabilities especially feel. I mean they are mindful of their challenges, why make them feel awkward.

 

It is quite easy to size up someone from afar; I mean get a good glimpse at whatever they are wearing or what we find interesting about them. But when the other person becomes aware that your eyes are practically scanning them, cut it.

Staring is one act I don’t find amusing. I mean, how do you explain the discomfort that comes with someone’s gaze fixed on you. Has a stare ever made you feel there’s a horn on your head? Has a stare made you quickly take a second look at your outfit to ensure some buttons aren’t missing or your zipper isn’t open? It’s so discomforting.

Some people give this sweeping long look from your shoes to the tip of your hair. This they do with a smug, bitter grimace. ‘Arggh! This is a terrible thing to do. Some simply have this blank expression when they decide to forget their eyes on you.  While we can say this group may simply be staring into space, how about staring into the sky and not at a person. It is unnerving.

At times you feel assaulted by lewd stares from the opposite sex. It happens both ways. Their gazes pierce into your skin. This is extremely rude.

In a bid to admire whatever it is you fancy on another person, you need not stare at them for long. Just a quick glance and admire what it is you like about them. If you’re generous enough, throw a compliment, if not, simply smile or nod in admiration, they’d get it. Trust me.

This is what I do when the stares get too long, I simply stare back. Aaaha! It works like magic! The guilty party immediately breaks the long gaze. Also, I return the smug look, the sweeping gaze just the same way it makes me feel. Petty much you say?  It is easy to decipher when a stare is in admiration or in disdain. Learn to control your eyes.

Do you stare? Do stares make you uneasy? Do you think I am over reacting? How do you tell someone to stop staring? Share your experience in the comment section.