What does it mean when someone won't look you in the eye?

Answer 1

Trying to read body language is interesting and it can be fun, but don't give it too much weight. Unless you know a person well and have a lot of experience, this kind of thing is basically guess-work. Even when you DO know a person well and have lots of experience, body language only gives you hints and can't be considered as absolute. It also makes a difference if you are talking about some body language sign that is not typical for an individual, in contrast to some body language that someone does frequently just out of habit.. Culture is another huge part of this; you could completely misinterpret someone's intentions without some understanding of how different cultures perceive different body postures.

If you are talking about someone you know, from your own general culture, and who does not usually avoid eye contact, then it could be that the person is feeling badly about something, not necessarily related to you, and the person is embarrassed about it. Maybe the person likes you, and is embarrassed about that. Maybe the person has been embarrassed by you, and you are not aware of it. Really, it could be any number of things, possibly involving you and possibly not. It does seem that a person who does this (and it is not a common or typical thing for this person to do) might just need a little space to work something out. I wouldn't push on it if the person is not responsive. "Wanna talk?" might be an ok thing to say, and then just back off if the answer is "no, thanks".

Answer 2

Avoiding eye contact can suggest discomfort, shyness, dishonesty, or lack of confidence. It may also indicate social anxiety or a desire to hide emotions.