The differing expectations across cultures about how much eye contact is respectful.
In one culture direct gaze shows honesty, while in another lowered eyes show respect to elders. The very same downward glance reads as sincerity in one setting and evasion in another.
Learn the local norm before reading gaze as confidence, evasion or rudeness. Ask what eye contact means in a given culture rather than assuming your own rule applies everywhere.
Applying your own norm to a visitor is a frequent source of misjudgement. A guest lowering the eyes out of courtesy may be read as shifty by someone unaware of the custom.
Cultural differences in the comfortable distance people keep during conversation.
ExploreThe way a single gesture can carry opposite meanings in different parts of the world.
ExploreDifferences in how head movements such as nodding and shaking convey yes and no.
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