Summary

The article discusses the importance of eye contact in the era of mask-wearing, emphasizing its role in human connection and the opportunity to build self-esteem.

Abstract

In the midst of the pandemic, the author reflects on the significance of eye contact as masks cover much of our faces, necessitating a reliance on the eyes to convey emotions and appreciation. The author acknowledges a personal tendency to avoid eye contact with strangers but recognizes the current necessity to overcome this discomfort. With social distancing measures in place, the eyes have become a crucial tool for expressing thanks, encouragement, and solidarity. The article suggests that this unique situation offers a chance to strengthen self-confidence and foster a deeper connection with others, despite the physical barriers imposed by masks and social distancing.

Opinions

The author believes that maintaining strong eye contact is now more powerful than verbal communication due to mask-wearing.
There is an acknowledgment of personal discomfort with making eye contact, which the author sees as an opportunity for personal growth in self-esteem.
The author posits that the emotional states of loneliness and separation during social distancing can be mitigated by making meaningful eye contact.
The article conveys that the shared experience of struggle during the pandemic can be a source of reassurance and connection among people.
The author intends to be more intentional with eye contact as a way to express gratitude and support to essential workers and others during the pandemic.

How Mask-Wearing Brings New Meaning to Making Eye Contact

Now is not the time to suffer from low self-esteem

Today I drove to the grocery store to pick up groceries. It is the same routine I have been in once a week since mid-March.

I order online, and then put my mask on after calling the curbside pickup number to notify them that I am there and what spot I am parked in.

Once I see them walking out I make sure the trunk is open, and as they approach closer I realize besides saying “thank you” behind my muffled mask all I have are my eyes to speak to what I am trying to communicate.

Having unwavering eye contact these days may be more powerful than our voices.

And this could be concerning for many, who haven’t always had the best eye contact with strangers. In truth, up until this point, I think I have avoided it.

Instead of making eye contact with someone as we are passing one another, I have mostly looked down or focused elsewhere on their face so as not to look them directly in the eye.

It is my instinctual shy side where I have had to push through the internal discomfort and overcome the hesitation to look up at someone I don’t know well.

With many of us wearing masks, so much more is hidden on our faces these days and there is nowhere else to look but our eyes to get a sense of what each one of us is feeling.

Emotional states of loneliness and separation are felt by many amidst social distancing, and finding some form of connection can’t be ignored with the people we are coming into contact with for our grocery pick-ups, take-out deliveries, and drive-thru necessities.

In being able to push past this discomfort, now is the time to get to the root of the issue — our self-esteem.

Essentially many of us that have been a little more uncomfortable in our skin around those we don’t know, can take on this unique opportunity to strengthen ourselves.

It is a time while wearing a mask to feel reassured that so many of us are experiencing similar struggles every day.

In building additional self-confidence and recognizing what all we have been able to overcome to push through this unique time, we may see how strong we have become.

And with that strength, we can use it to be purposeful in those distanced moments with others that we may not know by their first name but relate to on a very human level at this time.

We can use our eyes to indicate our thanks, encouragement, and camaraderie many of us quite frankly have always needed.

And now with this pandemic, the need may be amplified more than ever.

When I find myself next week securing my mask around my face as the grocery store worker carts my groceries to my trunk, I’m going to be intentional with my eyes.

Instead of hiding behind sunglasses or casually looking to the receipt in their hands, I am going to look directly at them. And at that moment, I hope they will be able to feel the smile beneath my mask letting them know just how much I applaud all they are doing every day.

Who knew wearing a mask could be the start of connecting more.