How to subtly make someone feel uncomfortable

Have you ever noticed that certain small, seemingly insignificant behaviors can have a big impact on a conversation? One such technique, which you may want to use carefully (if at all), is to focus your gaze on the middle of someone’s forehead while you're talking to them. It sounds harmless, but it can make a surprising difference in how the other person feels.

Most people report that when someone stares at their forehead during a conversation, it makes them feel uneasy, as if they’re being scrutinized or judged. It create a subtle tension that often leads to discomfort, making the other person feel awkward or self-conscious. The reason behind this effect is not entirely clear, but it taps into our social instincts. We are used to eye contact and reading facial expressions to gauge the other person’s emotions, and when that natural flow is disrupted by an odd focal point—like the forehead—it throws us off balance.

Of course, the question arises: why would you want to do this in the first place? It’s certainly not something you’d want to try in a friendly or casual setting, where making the other person feel at ease is usually the goal. However, there could be situations where creating a bit of discomfort might be useful—perhaps during a negotiation, an interview, or even when trying to subtly indicate dissatisfaction without directly saying so.

That being said, this technique should be used sparingly and with caution. It’s a small psychological trick that could impact the tone of your interaction, and while it’s interesting to know about, it’s not something to rely on regularly. After all, conversations are meant to be engaging and productive, not uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing.

So, while the situation may arise where you need to employ this odd tactic, just be sure you're doing it for the right reasons—and be ready to switch back to normal eye contact when it’s time to relax the mood.