Why do people look and smile at me, but when I look back... they seem to turn away from me?

Question

Hi! [I have lots of questions and confusion in my mind in this subject]

here is the deal. Whenever I'm at stores/malls/etc people seem to look at me kind of like in admiration. Like when you go to a rich neighborhood and sometimes one just stands and admires some people.

Well, I get those stares (I'm not rich)... but most of the time I ignore them and go on with my life.

However, sometimes I do look back and smile back, etc... but when I do that, then people have this face of dissapointment, etc...

why is this? I have several theories, but I'm not sure.

1) Is it because my presence intimidates them, so when I look back they just get shy and turn away or get uncomfortable and have this face.

2) They were admiring me at 1st glance, but when they really look at me... they realize I'm not that of a big deal, so they just get dissapointed, and that explains their look.

3) They really don't want me to look back. They want to look at me doing my stuff.

4) They notice I feel uncomfortable and shy,,, and here they were thinking I was all that?

5) Maybe I have a weird/scary look, so they only like it when I'm looking away?

6) Like with celebrities, maybe they think I have everything,, and the more they get to know me (even if its just a look),, they realize I'm human with flaws too.

7) They get nervous because I noticed them checking me out?

I don't know, I'm just too confused about it. I lean mores towards #1 and #7. heheh

Don't think it is a big deal in my life, but I'm just very curious about it. And I think there are a lot of smart people here who may actually have THE answer that explains this, not just in my case but maybe in all cases.

Answer 1

obviously you're never going to know what another person is thinking, especially not a stranger. you don't know if they were thinking you weren't all that, or that they thought you were gorgeous. they have a mind of their own. they may be thinking.."oh gawd, that girl just turned her head, i must look like a stalker". neway, whatever, the point is, it's all about percepetion. you see, it doesn't matter what this or that persons reasons are for looking at you and then turning around. most people are generally good and harmless. but then again, that's my perception. if you think you are all that, then generally other people will catch that vibe from you, and will be looking at you because you are da sh*t.

Answer 2

When people smile next time you not only smile but say hello, good morning, good evening something of the like and then see what kind of reaction you get.  You are coming across as closed off.  Open yourself to the possibility of others and they will open up to you.

Answer 3

ok i dont want to get nasty right now but just because somebody looks at you it doesn't mean that they are jealous or envious it just means that they have eyes and can look!! have you ever thought that maybe they just look at you cause they can?

Answer 4

Maybe you are an attractive person and they are admiring your beauty?  They don't want to be caught by you and turn away.  That's just kind of human nature.  

Answer 5

Have you ever thought that they are not looking at you ...just engaging in social niceties....  

Answer 6

i feel sometimes this happens to me. ive been told and have found out that i am an expressful and if i am sad it really shows. maybe you are his way and people are smiling to cheer you up. i think my paranoid thoughts are always changing. and life is just a series of alignments. you may be one of those people who just happens to get these kind of people giving you these looks, who knows.  

Answer 7

maybe you have a booger