You can't make someone fall in love with you, they say. Try telling that to Sophie-Rose Lloyd, whose "psychology love eye trick" has gone viral on TikTok.
Her video, originally posted in July 2021, has been watched more than 17 million times—and sparked debate among psychologists and dating experts as well as singletons.
@sophieroselloyd If u have never done this before search it and do it it works every time
♬ original sound - 🌱Luna/Lune🍄
What Is the Psychology Love Eye Trick?
In Lloyd's clip, she demonstrates the technique, claiming that "it works every time." The TikToker later posted a follow-up video to explain all the details.
First, "you want to make sure you're in a one-on-one conversation with the person," she said. It "might not work if you're in a group," because your special someone's attention could be focused on the people around you instead.
Your target should be "someone that you really like and share a mutual interest with," she added. "It might not necessarily work on strangers or people that you've never spoken to before."
Ideally, Lloyd said, "you want to make sure that it's them speaking with you," rather than the other way around. If you're talking, they might be focused on the movement of your lips rather than your all-important eyes.
So, what is the technique? According to Lloyd, you need to follow the steps exactly as described. First, look in the person's left eye for 1 second, then switch your gaze to their lips for 1.5 to 2 seconds. Finally, look in their right eye, completing a triangle.
She said: "I can guarantee that if done with the right person at the right time they will literally be [stunned]. I've done this with people I've liked. I've done it with my best friend just to see if it works and it definitely does."
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Does the Psychology Love Eye Trick Actually Work?
Many TikTok viewers were impressed. The trick "works like a charm," one user commented. Another wrote: "My grandma taught this to me when I was younger and I'll never forget it."
Others expressed skepticism, however. "There's no such thing," one TikToker replied. Does it actually work? Newsweek asked psychologists and relationship experts if there's logic behind the trick.
Rachel MacLynn, a psychologist and the founder of matchmaking agency Vida Consultancy, said the method does have "some psychological foundation. Prolonged eye contact can and does increase attraction and passion in individuals."
MacLynn added that "the use of nonverbal cues such as eye contact can affect the way we behave towards others, because our body language can communicate more than words." Falling in love "is not as simple" though, she warned.
Tina Wilson, a relationship expert and the founder of the Wingman app, also pointed out that simply staring at someone will not guarantee a love match. However, Wilson believes the TikTok trend is significant because it highlights the importance of eye contact.
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"Holding a gaze with someone you are interested in can create a powerful connection and helps to build trust," she told Newsweek.
Aaron Surtees, a hypnotherapist based in London, explained: "Strong eye contact may be the first step to attraction as it can trigger oxytocin and feelgood hormones."
Looking into someone's eyes for an extended period of time can also release phenylethylamine, a positive mood chemical, "which leads to a sense of commitment and bonding," according to MacLynn.
"Pupil dilation can demonstrate desirability, which is influenced by oxytocin. The larger the pupil the more appealing and attractive we may find our potential partner," she added.
Surtees also told Newsweek that "most couples develop feelings for one another following the intimacy they feel when their eyes are locked on each other."
It's not just about your eyes. MacLynn advises that the best way to make your admiration known is to "make sure that your body does the talking.
"Keep your body relaxed, make sure that your arms are not crossed, eye contact is maintained and that you reciprocate signs of attraction."
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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