Yes this problem IS totally normal. I have known lots of peole with this problem. I suggest taking one step at a time and looking at photo's, and talking out loud while looking into their eyes, then try it on the internet webcame... and work from there.

Its perfectly normal to be scared or shy of looking at people directly, but i can reasure you that 'eyes being windows to the soul'is just a rather poetic saying. Only god (if thats what you believe) can see your soul. And even if people can see what you're thinking, if you are being honest this doesn't matter.

Keep and open heart, and dont be afraid of showing people who and what you are. They will judge you much less than you think.

I'm somewhat the same. I don't like to make eye contact, but it doesn't make me uncomfortable, and I don't think they can tell what I'm thinking or anything like that. I can and will hold eye contact just fine (in a job interview, for example) I just prefer not to. It seems to me, especially with strangers, that locking eyes is kind of like a challenge. You know, like animals? For some reason, I'm kinda the same way. Also, a bit off topic, but every time I meet a new pet of somebody's, I always make a point of locking eyes with them. Hmm...maybe I should make this my own post?

I dunno, I have to disagree with some of the posters. I can definitely read the thoughts of some of my close friends from looking into their eyes. It's partially about changes in their non-verbals, the way I know their eyes move when they're lying, etc. But it is doable :).

Don't worry, your other nonverbals already give you away entirely. You sound like the kind of person who blushes a lot, too. Don't let it bother you. If you've been on this site for a while you probably know that there is really nothing abnormal these days. Honestly. Taken a dump on somebody's toothbrush? Sorry, already been done. Been arrested multiple times for having sex with a goat? Sorry, that's been done before too. Even if we could all read your mind and know everything you've ever done, we wouldn't be too surprised.

maybe you should try looking into the eyes of people you like and trust.and maybe you will like what you see (in their eyes). i believe that our eyes do reveal how we're feeling, if not our soul. don't be afraid to look into ppl's eyes, cos you're not worse off than anybody, if dont want to be. also, looking into the eyes of your crush, is a flirting tactic!

if youre telling the truth then them knowing what youre thinking should be a good thing.
You should want them to fish up your thoughts.

much research has been done within social psychology that shows we tend to believe that others can read our thoughts (salience effect or something),when studies show this isnt true. Also, studies have been conducted to show that in most cases people cannot detect who is lying (they predict who is lying around 50 percent of the time..by chance). This may be diff. if youve had a husband for 25 years.. however the mind-reading effect and the detection of lies has been studied alot within social psych. and has pretty much been shown that it is all just a myth we tend to believe. I have a few text books on it, however if you want to search this out on your own there is plenty of literature on the topics.

i totally no wat u are feeling i feel the same way... Its totally normal

I love looking into peoples eyes 'cause most people are like you. It weirds them out when I do it. I'll usually do it when I am trying to see if they are lying, so yes, its normal and yes, they are able to see what you are thinking to an extent

It sounds like you have a romatic point of veiw..

eye contact is a way to conect with people and way to prove that you are sincere.. like while you're flirting with someone or what not, eye contact can fell intimidating or akward, but it's good..

Angel

this means you have weak character. you would not be good in the army.

I always look someone in the eye when im being honest with them, or i want to be sure they're being honest with me..

or when im flirting :) Eye contact is key!

And if you're accross the room and you 'feel' eye contact, you know that they were looking at you and you were looking at them.

hu gives a fuk if they wud b gud in the army or not u silly twat if she duznt want to luk into ppls eyes the she dont fukin well av 2 orite i wish ppl wud stop postin proppa stupid comeent it pisses me ryte off gunna say sumfing say summat that is constructive not just a load ov fukin bollocks