Is it normal that my eyes hurt when talking one on one to people

51% Normal
2 Comments

OK,
I just turned 41. I used to smoke cigarettes, but finally quit 6 months ago. I know I am physically healthier, but my social skills are suffering (I feel awkward most of the time) because I no longer have "the crutch."

I also now wear glasses to correct some decent farsightedness (and an astigmatism in my right eye). I think I look very stupid in my glasses and they "bring people too close" to me when talking. I sometimes need to take a step backwards to engage without feeling like I am literally sitting in their lap. And even then, I feel (and here is where my head is getting the best of me) like they are looking at me strangely. Everyone I now talk to (not kidding here) fusses with their eye at some point during the conversation, and this leads me to think that they are subconsciously telling me that my eye/s make them want to rub their eyes or just look away. I have been told by many that my eyes still track properly, even my eye doctor, but my eyes are still straining and I get headaches, and now, well, I am so self conscious that I fear or avoid engaging in one-on-one conversations with even my closest friends.

So, what is WRONG with me??? Why is this happening...I am afraid I am losing my ability to connect with people on a mental and physiological level.

Please help.
Once and former social butterfly and beauty queen.

Voting Results
51% Normal
Based on 49 votes (25 yes)
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Comments ( 2 )
  • BallerinaCass
    12 years ago

    I know exactly how you feel, except I've been this way my while life, 19 years. But lately it's been getting worse, also like you, I was forced to get glasses and I think I look silly even when I get compliments. When I talk to someone, it's all I can do not to look them in the eyes. My eyes start to hurt, like I've been in a staring contest and my eyes have been open, non-blinking for 10 minutes. The best way to get over it for me, is to take the pain off your eyes and onto somewhere else. I usually just pinch myself or dig my nails into my skin when they start to hurt. I know it's a juvenile way to defeat it, but it works very well for now. But someday I hope to get rid of this with something much simpler and well accepted by society.

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  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    contacts? a visit back to the optition to sort out the prescription?

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