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AIBU?

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Original poster

Do you close your eyes?

156 replies

GoGoSuperBug · 27/02/2026 21:10

At the dentist? I always close my eyes because it feels weird having someone that close to my face. I hate the opticians because I have to keep my eyes open.

YABU - I keep my eyes open, it would be rude to close them.

YANBU - it’s less awkward for everyone to keep them closed.

OP posts:
WestEaste · 28/02/2026 00:27

This reminded me, I close my eyes when I’m at the basin at the hairdressers when they are washing my hair.

Simply because it is awkward keeping my eyes open as I’d be looking up directly at someone washing my hair, because they want you to lie your head back in the sink as opposed to being more upright.

One hair dresser made a comment that I looked like I was asleep, and I was just like no was merely avoiding awkwardness! Where else are my eyes supposed to go if not looking at them, I’d have to awkwardly dart around to reduce direct eye contact. Or do hairdressers expect you stare at them whilst they’re spending ages washing colour out, shampooing multiple times, putting toner on etc.

Wiseplumant · 28/02/2026 00:07

Always close my eyes, it would be too much like some kind of strange sexual encounter other wise.

DoneAndNotDusted · 28/02/2026 00:03

I don't think anyone has mentioned these, but my dentist wears dental loupes so he can remain upright while examining my mouth/doing any procedures. So I don't feel so uncomfortable about keeping my eyes open, although I tend to keep them closed for a lot of the time. He also provides sunglasses and plays music.
I looked up dental loupes and it's interesting how they work; also much better for the dentist's posture.

oviraptor21 · 28/02/2026 00:02

RafaFan · 27/02/2026 23:17

I thought this thread was going to be about something else...

My dentist has a TV on the ceiling. She's a big tennis fan, and she knows I am too so she makes sure to tune to a sports channel when I'm there. So no, I don't close my eyes at the dentist.

Where is your dentist please?!

oviraptor21 · 28/02/2026 00:00

Never closed my eyes but your poll is not worded for me to answer it. I don't feel it's awkward, I just don't see a reason to close eyes.

Portugal1987 · 27/02/2026 23:59

Monsterslam · 27/02/2026 21:14

I keep them open. I always think they should have a tv on the ceiling

Mine has a tv, they play Friends all flday long

LadyLolaRuben · 27/02/2026 23:57

No fir me closing my eyes intensifies the the sensation of touch. So I feel everything the dentist is doing so much more

Ubugly · 27/02/2026 23:55

Closed as tight as possible as I do NOT want to see anything thats going on, even for a check up.

Cherryicecreamx · 27/02/2026 23:35

I'm also team eyes closed! Don't want that awkward eye contact whist he's looking in my mouth 😂 although there is a nice ceiling design that I sometimes look at. I think all dentists should have some sort of picture you can focus on!

Mere1 · 27/02/2026 23:34

GoGoSuperBug · 27/02/2026 21:14

I am surprised that there are more eyes open than eyes closed so far 😳

I want to be alert to what’s happening. Eyes open.

pippapipps · 27/02/2026 23:30

Bruisername · 27/02/2026 22:59

Yes! It’s not natural to lie there for ages with your mouth wide open!!

you will be fine with the extraction - the worry is worse than the event!!

Show quote history

Thanks 🙏🏻 the reason I’m scared is because I got dry socket the last time I had a tooth pulled ..horrendous pain..twenty years ago but I’ve never forgotten the pain

Fedupofthisgame · 27/02/2026 23:25

Mine has a tv on the ceiling to watch random stuff. Normally a nature program.

Pluto9812 · 27/02/2026 23:23

We have a TV on the ceiling of ours but I close my eyes still as a) I find the lights bright and annoying and b) I find it quite relaxing to lie there with my eyes closed while they are doing their thing.

Talkingfrog · 27/02/2026 23:22

I close my eyes for most of it.

I am short sighted and sometimes take my glasses off before putting the goggles on. Only the few inches in front of me is properly in focus.

Even with my glasses on, I close my eyes, because I find that if they are opening I am staring into the light.

No one has ever said anything about my eyes being closed.

The usual comments are to ask if I am OK, and to ask me to open my mouth wider. ( I have a small mouth so have to stretch it for it to be open wide enough - after a while it gets harder so it starts to close a little. The jaw ache is as bad as having the work done).

Unfortunately I have had a lot of dental work ( I have weak teeth), but fortunately a good team of dentists at the practice so have confidence in what they are doing).

Cetera · 27/02/2026 23:20

They always give us dark sunglasses type things to wear at my dentist. Even just for a check up

youalright · 27/02/2026 23:18

I look at the ceiling/wall never look at the dentist

JohnTheRevelator · 27/02/2026 23:17

Yes,I always close my eyes. As you say,it feels weird having someone that close to my face!

RafaFan · 27/02/2026 23:17

I thought this thread was going to be about something else...

My dentist has a TV on the ceiling. She's a big tennis fan, and she knows I am too so she makes sure to tune to a sports channel when I'm there. So no, I don't close my eyes at the dentist.

blueshoes · 27/02/2026 23:15

Doesn't everyone get sunglasses and then keep their eyes closed?

Must be creepy for the dentist to have eyes open👀

Bruisername · 27/02/2026 22:59

pippapipps · 27/02/2026 22:56

Does anyone else’s mouth automatically start to close when you’re mouth has been open for ages..so embarrassing dentist always says can you open your mouth 😳 and I’m getting a tooth pulled on Tuesday god help me I am so scared

Yes! It’s not natural to lie there for ages with your mouth wide open!!

you will be fine with the extraction - the worry is worse than the event!!

pippapipps · 27/02/2026 22:56

Does anyone else’s mouth automatically start to close when you’re mouth has been open for ages..so embarrassing dentist always says can you open your mouth 😳 and I’m getting a tooth pulled on Tuesday god help me I am so scared

JLou08 · 27/02/2026 22:55

I close my eyes, it's mainly because I'm very nervous in the dentist so I close my eyes and pretend I'm sunbathing on a tropical beach.

MsAmerica · 27/02/2026 22:54

There's usually conversation going on, and it would be rude, if anything, to close them.

CustardySergeant · 27/02/2026 22:54

skippy67 · 27/02/2026 22:16

My dentist gives patients sunglasses. So no awkwardness at all.

Yes, mine too, as there are bright lights aimed at your face.

pippapipps · 27/02/2026 22:53

Shufflebumnessie · 27/02/2026 21:12

I don't keep them closed but I do keep them fixed on a particular area of the wall/ceiling.

Same

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