|





|
|
Her Flirty Eyes
Q:
I have been dating someone of my own age that I met through a professional dating service. It has been a year since we have been in a "committed" relationship. Recently, I have noticed her flirting (eye contact) with other men at events and at dinners that we attend. It is very noticeable and the other men notice her looking at them. When I ask her about this, she denies it and says she is not doing anything wrong. I'm unsure what this means and how to proceed with our relationship. Is it time for me to move on? -- Nate, 49
A:
Giving her the benefit of the doubt for a moment, could it be that she has always looked at other men, but you're only now aware of it because some other aspect of your relationship is less satisfying? On the other hand, if the flirty eye behavior is truly new, and she denies it, I'd have to wonder what else she isn't being honest about. I also wonder if she's drinking more than before and perhaps isn't actually aware of the length of her eye contacts. Whether she acknowledges the accuracy of your perceptions or not, she needs to be willing to take your feelings of discomfort into account. Before the next outing, let her know you're planning to point out the behavior to her as it's happening. I hope she takes your concerns seriously.
Susan K. Perry, Ph.D.,
is a social psychologist and relationship expert. She is a bestselling and award-winning author whose latest book is "Loving in Flow: How the Happiest Couples Get and Stay That Way." She has written for and been quoted in Cosmopolitan, Psychology Today, Family Circle, Women's Health & Fitness, YM, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, Child, and many others. She also consults and teaches writing online. Read her complete bio!
NOTE: The information contained herein is provided for information purposes, and not intended as a substitute for advice or treatment that may or should be prescribed by your physician or recommended by your therapist.
|