Blink Rate

Base frequency

In addition to the direction and duration of gaze, blink frequency is another important indicator of internal state. Blinking is a natural movement of the eyelids.

On average, people blink 6-12 times per minute (other sources suggest 6-10 times). This is the base frequency in a relaxed state.

Any significant deviation from this baseline is usually linked to the emotional state.

Rapid blinking (Stress, lying).

A dramatic increase in blink frequency is a reliable sign of stress.

People who lie or who feel uncomfortable in a situation (e.g. during a presentation, a job interview or in front of a camera), tend to blink much more and much faster.

Therefore, you should pay attention to your own blinking frequency, but also to that of your interlocutor, to detect if something is bothering or bothering you.

Rapid Blinking (Attraction)

This is where context becomes crucial again. A rapid blink doesn't always mean negative stress. It can also be a strong indicator of attraction or interest.

When someone is interested or attracted to you, your blinking frequency will also increase.

The difference lies in the conglomeration of signals that accompany it.

If rapid blinking is accompanied by gestures of flight or tension (such as touching your neck or averting your gaze), it's stress.

But if rapid blinking is accompanied by signals of openness (such as a woman touching her hair, a smile, dilated pupils or head tilted to one side), it is a clear indicator of interest and attraction.

Slow and prolonged blinking (Disagreement, blocking).

Finally, there is the slow blink. If you are talking to someone and notice that, as you blink, you keep your eyes closed for longer than normal (a second or two, rather than a fraction of a second), this is a negative sign.

It indicates that the person does not necessarily agree with you or, worse, thinks you are lying.

It is an unconscious attempt to "block" you, to create a visual barrier between you.

If you notice this prolonged blinking, it is a sign that they probably have objections to what you are saying, and you should pause and ask to find out what it is they are not convinced about.

Summary

Blink frequency is another important indicator of internal state. In a relaxed state, the average baseline frequency is 6 to 12 times per minute.

A dramatic increase in blink frequency is a reliable sign of stress. People who are lying or uncomfortable tend to blink much more rapidly.

Slow and prolonged blinking, where the eyes are held closed longer, is a negative sign. It indicates disagreement or an unconscious attempt to "block it out."