Fix body language

Hi, is it offensive to you if I gaze at the space above you?

The situation happens while travelling in a bus or metro where people sit facing each other. I fix my gaze about one feet above the person opposite me and try to remain still( as a kind of concentration exercise. ) Surprisingly that person gets irritated and starts glaring and shows angry body language. Please imagine yourself in ths situation(somebody gazing above you like this). Would you find this offensive, as intruding in your personal space? Thanks for answering.

Public Comments

1. I guess it could be interpreted as weird. If people were all around me, I would probably do the same though. However, if there was a window or somewhere else to look, I'd prefer that route. I don't think I'd be offended but I probably wouldn't look toward you.
2. I wouldnt find it offensive, I would attempt and make conversation with you to make things not feel so akward. Maybe try bringing something to read.
3. Nope, not at all. Its not you, its them.
4. No, I would prefer it. Please, and thank you very kindly.
5. No, this is something everybody does, in that situation. If someone gets mad, that is his problem. Another thing is that you stare at their face. That is uncomfortable Gloria
6. i suppose if you were my friend i'd be very irritated at this (i have freinds that stare at your forehead so they don't have to make eye contact grrrr) but if i didn't know you i wouldn't mind... it really depends on the person sitting opposite you!!
7. Nope, its not coz you're staring above my head and not to me exactly.
8. I would not findit offensive, but I think perhaps over anextende period of time it would make me uncomfortable. I think too perhaps some people would read it as body language saying you are pointedly ignoring them. In my opinion it is better to gaze at the floor or lower then chest. This is a non confrontational message and less "personal space" invasive.
9. i believe they think you are staring AT them. Not all people are good at judging exactly where you are looking.
10. I think its rude. Its less offensive for you to be looking out the window or to be looking down. If you observe the people around you, you'll see that if they aren't looking out the window or talking with someone, they'll be looking down. If someone across from me would be staring a foot above me, my peripheral vision would tell me that you were staring at me......this makes a person very uncomfortable. Since you do this on purpose I can see how someone who is on the agressive side (like you?) would over-react to it.