While our heartbeat is constant and rapid, experts say blinking is the fastest action our body performs: on average, we blink about 13,500 times a day. That means we spend a total of 10 minutes each day just blinking. You probably know blinking helps keep your eyes moist, but that’s not the only reason! If you think about it, you blink way more often than your eyes actually need moisture.
A study found that when you’re chatting with someone, your blinking isn’t random. Unconsciously, you’re sending nonverbal signals that show you understand what the other person is saying. And they pick up on this message without even realizing it. In fact, the research shows that when you finish a sentence and want to hand over the conversation, you signal it with a blink. That’s how your partner knows it’s their turn!
Do They Really Understand You, or Just Pretend?
And no, not all blinks mean the same thing. A Dutch study found that shorter and faster blinks have different meanings. A short blink means you get what the other person is saying but don’t fully connect with it. You might not say this out loud, but your body language tells the truth. On the other hand, a long blink shows you deeply feel and completely understand your conversation partner.
You might not consciously notice what your partner is thinking, but you’re still tuned in to their body language.
That’s why you can quickly tell from their blinking if they’re truly paying attention or just pretending.
Why Don’t Babies Blink Often?
Actually, blinking depends on age! You might notice that babies blink much less than adults. While adults blink about 15 times a minute, little ones blink only two or three times, sometimes just once in 60 seconds.
Experts say this is because blinking is triggered by a brain neurotransmitter (dopamine) that helps brain cells communicate.
Since babies’ brains aren’t fully developed with these neurotransmitters yet, scientists believe this is one reason they need to blink less. Plus, their eyes dry out less easily, which might also explain it — though the exact answer is still a mystery.
Interestingly, you blink the most when you’re mentally stimulated or having a face-to-face conversation. If your partner blinks very little while talking, it’s a sign they’re only half-listening.
