What kind of eye contact is recommended when dealing with hostile individuals?

When dealing with hostile individuals, limited eye contact is recommended as it can help de-escalate tension in the interaction. Maintaining too much eye contact, especially intense or prolonged, can be perceived as confrontational or aggressive, which might exacerbate the situation and provoke further hostility.

Limited eye contact demonstrates that you are engaged but not threatening or overly confrontational. It allows you to communicate that you are listening and understanding the other person's perspective while also keeping the interaction in a neutral and non-threatening space. This approach can help to lower defenses and reduce the potential for aggression.

The style of engagement with hostile individuals is rooted in strategies aimed at conflict resolution and effective communication. Therefore, limited eye contact serves a critical role in promoting a calmer interaction, steering it towards a more productive outcome.