When friends chat in a group, a speaker may make eye contact with only one person while ignoring everyone else for several reasons, which are often unintentional and subconscious. Here are some possible explanations for this behavior:
Emotional connection: The speaker might feel a closer emotional connection or rapport with the person they make eye contact with. It could be a close friend, a confidant, or someone they find particularly engaging or interesting.
Seeking validation: The speaker may unconsciously seek validation or support from the person they are making eye contact with. They might look to this individual for non-verbal cues that they are being understood or well-received.
Social comfort: Making eye contact with just one person in a group might be more socially comfortable for some individuals. Speaking in front of a larger group can be intimidating, and focusing on one person can help the speaker feel more at ease.
Engagement and active listening: The speaker might be trying to engage the individual they are making eye contact with actively. By looking at them, they are signaling that they value their input and want to ensure they are actively participating in the conversation.
Power dynamics: In some cases, the speaker may be asserting their dominance or authority over the person they are making eye contact with, especially if there are existing power dynamics in the group.
Attraction or romantic interest: If there is a romantic interest or attraction between the speaker and the person they are making eye contact with, it could be a subconscious way of signaling their interest.
Unconscious habit: Making eye contact with one person could simply be an unconscious habit or a result of the speaker's natural gaze pattern.
It's important to note that making eye contact with one person while talking in a group does not necessarily imply negative intentions. However, in some situations, it might lead to others feeling excluded or overlooked. In group conversations, it's generally considered more inclusive and polite to make eye contact with multiple individuals or scan the group, ensuring everyone feels engaged and involved in the discussion. Social skills and awareness of non-verbal cues are crucial for effective communication and maintaining positive social interactions within a group setting.