The distance that makes one feel comfortable depends on whom one is interacting with and the nature of the situation. Define display rules and discuss what can be discerned from facial cues. Display rules are norms that govern the appropriate display of emotions. People in highly different cultures suggest that the facial expressions associated with certain emotions may have a biological basis. Discuss the characteristics associated with high levels of eye contact.
Eye contact is another major channel of nonverbal communication.
The duration of eye contact between people is what is most meaningful. The positivity and negativity of feelings are communicated by the context of the communication, timing, and accompanying nonverbal behavior. On the positive side, eye contact is strongly related to feelings of attraction, are judged as liking each other more, and causes others to like us. On the negative side, a steady gaze become a stare, making people feel uncomfortable and flee the situation. A stare can also convey aggressive intent.