176 W H A T EVERY BODY IS SAYING
Eye Blocking, or How the Brain Spares ItselfOur eyes, more remarkable than any camera, have evolved as the pri-
mary means by which humans receive information. In fact, we often at-
tempt to censor incoming data through a limbic survival mechanism
known as eye blocking, which evolved to protect the brain from “seeing”
undesirable images. Any decrease in the size of the eyes, whether through
squinting or pupilary constriction, is a form of subconscious blocking
behavior. And all blocking behaviors are indicative of concern, dislike,
disagreement, or the perception of a potential threat.
The many forms of eye blocking are such a common and natural part
of our nonverbal repertoire that most people either miss them completely
or ignore their meaning (see figures 64–67). For example, think about a
time when someone told you bad news. Perhaps you didn’t notice, but
BOX 49: THE EYEBROW SQUINT: HOW LOW DO YOU GO?Eyebrow squints can have several different meanings. In order to differen-
tiate among these, you need to assess the degree of the eyebrow move-
ment and the context in which it takes place. For instance, we sometimes
lower our eyebrows and squint when being aggressive or confrontational.
Likewise, we lower the eyebrows in the face of real or imagined danger or
threats. We also do this when we are annoyed, feel displeasure, or are
angry. If, however, we drop the eyebrows too low, as may be seen in a
very defeated child, it is a universal sign of weakness and insecurity. It is
a behavior of obsequiousness, fawning, or submissiveness—consistent
with kowtowing or cowering—and may be capitalized upon by social
predators, such as psychopaths. In studies, prisoners have reported that
when new inmates arrive at jail, they look for this troubled, lowered-eye-
brow behavior in the newcomers to reveal which ones are weak and inse-
cure. In your social and business interactions, you can watch for these
eyebrow movements to probe for weakness or strength in others.