Do you think staring indicates attraction/interest?

[Anonymous]

I'm not asking this question to "fish for compliments" or whatever, so if you think that's why, please refrain from answering, because that is definitely not my intention (especially considering I'm anonymous.)

I have -never- liked the way I looked. I guess I'm like most girls.
I have only had 3-4 guys actually ask me out for real, and I'm 18 and never had a boyfriend. (I was not interested in the guys for various reasons.)

I'm -super- socially awkward and I feel like I radiate uncomfortableness. (Not a word but okay lol.)
When I go out in public I seem to always draw attention. Older females always tell me I'm pretty (I've always assumed that they're just being nice.)
And guys always stare at me. Instead of thinking "oh maybe they think I'm cute" I just feel like I'm being looked at for any other reason (I look a bit younger than I am, or maybe my hair looks weird, or something, idk) but recently it occurred to me that maybe they could actually find me attractive.

For example, there's 2 waiters at a restaurant my mom and I always go to and when they take our order, they will stick around and make conversation and look directly at me, even though I'm too awkward to speak, and my mom does, but they keep looking at me, smiling, making jokes.

Things like that happen a lot, but I feel WAYYYY too awkward to talk :/

Another assumption I make is that they don't think I'm pretty but they're being pervy b/c of my body. I get attention for my body, rather than being told I'm pretty (which is sad.) So if I'm wearing shorts or anything form fitting I assume they're looking at me because of my figure.

So my question is,
1. Is staring a sign of attraction?
2. Do you stare at a girl in the face as well if you are only attracted to her body?
3. Does social awkwardness/shyness put you off? I don't even think it's in a cute way, it's pretty extreme... can't make eye contact with people I don't know!

Updates

+1 y

bump

[ProfessorFoxpants]

That's a question. Hmm...
1. Staring can be a sign of attraction, yes. I don't see a lot of girls that really catch my attention, but when they do, I sometimes stare in admiration for a moment. BUT they can be staring for any number of reasons. Maybe they just happen to be staring at something else in your direction. Or maybe they are like me and space off in peoples' general direction... >.>
2. Yes and no. They may very bluntly stare, but if they think you have a nice body, then they may be specifically trying to look you in the face, so they don't happen to disrespectfully stare. Or maybe they just think you are altogether pretty. Since older girls say you are pretty, I'm thinking they probably genuinely mean it.
A lot of guys stare. It could be, and probably is, for both reasons.
3. Personally, I sometimes do. Shyness is cute, but in your case, it sounds like it is beyond that. :l I've known a number of people who are either simply socially awkward or have problems socializing at all. Quiet girls that keep to themselves actually catch my attention much more than you would think. They are often much more interesting. It makes me wonder what goes on in their mind and what kind of person they are. I have to admit, though, a lot of people might take social awkwardness as lack of interest or think the person is boring and that's not exactly a plus. I'm an introverted person myself, so I actually sometimes like trying to talk to others that seem introverted or awkward. ^^

[Asker]

thanks for the feedback!
I know a lot of people assume I'm boring which sucks because I'm actually really loud, silly, and joke around a lot with people I'm comfortable with. It's like I have two personalities.

[Asker]

I prefer more introverted people as well.

[ProfessorFoxpants]

No problem. :)
Yep, that's pretty much exactly how I am. I'm always the really quiet and serious type and then when I'm with close friends and family, I am exactly the opposite. I'm always kidding around and act like a complete dork. :P So two different people that know me could describe my personality completely differently from each other.

[Asker]

haha, exactly. majority of my classmates must think I have no personality. I wish I could be more expressive and outgoing

[ProfessorFoxpants]

I know that feeling. ._. It's partly why I don't date very much. A large portion is because it's really not very often I find a girl I like enough to date, but when I do... I really have no idea how to even go about talking and hanging out with her. :l

[Asker]

I have to know a guy for a while to start to get somewhat comfortable... it isn't easy :/

[ProfessorFoxpants]

No, it is not. Some guys can see a pretty girl and just start talking to them and stuff, but I really don't know how to do that. I have to be around the person for some time or see them regularly (like school, for example). And that's just to start getting comfortable. I then have to be friends with them for some time to even consider actually being in a relationship with them. I don't really do casual. It's just not for me.

[Asker]

I don't like the idea of getting involved with anyone I don't feel strongly for either, so I don't feel the need to date every cute guy who seems nice. Most of my female friends are the opposite... they have this "date every single guy who is vaguely attractive and vaguely not a bad person" mentality and meanwhile, it takes me months to like a guy.
Still, I wish I could talk to guys, and people in general better.

[ProfessorFoxpants]

I know what you mean. It's like dating for the sake of having a boyfriend/girlfriend. If I don't feel strongly for the girl, it just doesn't feel right to me. It would be uncomfortable, if I wasn't already close with the person and really trust her, you know? But yeah, I know what you mean. It can be frustrating sometimes among other things.

[Asker]

well, my sympathies are with you, fellow awkward person. lol.

[ProfessorFoxpants]

Kind of moved from the topic. :P But my original point being - from what you said (especially about the restaurant part), I'm sure looks you get is probably out of attraction and unless they are blatantly staring like a creeper, I'd just take it as a positive note. :)

[Asker]

makes me super uncomfortable though, I wish it didn't.
But thanks !

[ProfessorFoxpants]

No problem. :)

[JJ0EE]

If a guy is constantly staring at you in the eyes then that 100% means they're attracted to you. If they're only staring at your body then same thing but they're more interested in what's underneath your clothes and you may want to steer clear. I know you've said you're socially awkward and that can be tough so you may have to just wait for a guy to initiate the talk and maybe ask you out. Other than that there's always alcohol and parties which are obvious ways to reduce nerves and meet cool people.

[Pmnm-325]

If you see someone staring at you he/she either likes you or wants to kill you

[Asker]

that's a bit strange.

[Anonymous]

You sound like me lol I am so awkward -_- But guys love me so I don't know haha I guess it's cute.