Shut Your Eyes Up
- Tiffany Jaye

- Dec 26, 2025
- 1 min read
You ever walk into a room and feel the weight of someone’s gaze? Like their eyes said everything their mouths didn’t dare to? Yeah — it’s time to shut those eyes up.
The Language of Eyes:Some people don’t need to speak; their eyes do the talking. You can feel the assumptions, curiosity, envy, or superiority wrapped in a glance. Especially as a Black woman in predominantly white or upscale spaces, the tension can feel loud without a word spoken.
The Shift in Me:Since working in this upscale environment, I’ve learned to carry myself with more confidence. It’s not just about reacting to the awkwardness — it's about redirecting it. I’ve turned eye contact into a tool, not a trap. I walk into these rooms knowing I belong, and that confidence shifts the atmosphere.
The Power of Presence:You don’t always need to confront micro-behaviors with words. Sometimes, your confidence speaks louder. Rising above the discomfort doesn’t mean ignoring it; it means refusing to shrink in response to it. I’ve become the atmosphere-shifter, and that’s a power in itself.
Reflection:Race doesn’t always need to be said out loud. Sometimes it shows up in body language, silence, and yes — the eyes. But my presence is not up for debate, and neither is my excellence.

So next time you feel someone’s eyes trying to tell your story, remind them: this narrative doesn’t need their silent commentary. My eyes see purpose. Theirs? Better learn to mind their own business.



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