Is there an evolutionary basis for one’s habit of closing or narrowing the eyes when putting a (tasty) morsel into one’s mouth, or when taking a swig? I know of only one parallel, which is the case of the great white shark. Just before it closes with its prey it rolls its eyes backwards, and covers it with a flap or membrane. Other carnivorous animals look wide-eyed when attacking or eating.
That’s a habit? I’ve never known anyone who does that. Hell, I don’t think I’ve ever seen it done.
I may do this when I’m really savoring something. I’m honestly not sure.
What I do know is that when I used to take a lot of meetings with folks in other geographies by phone, I would close my eyes when really trying to focus on what they were saying. By shutting down other sensory pathways, I made it easier for my brain to not get distracted and focus on what I wanted it to focus on. I’ve never done this for a social phone call; just when I felt like I really needed to concentrate.
I suspect something similar may be going on when you’re really trying to taste something.
A couple random observations.
I think the eye thing when it comes to eating or drinking is actually a thing in movies/TV. But lots of things in movie/TV are exaggerated (or made up for that matter).
Second. As a very visual person, I actually do close my eyes (or at least avert my vision) when trying to concentrate hard / enjoy something to avoid distracting visual input.
When I’m really enjoying some food/drink my left eye closes involuntarily. My wife is not a big fan of it because apparently it is also my O-face. Closing both eyes does help me concentrate. I am curious why and if it’s just me.
I’ve only seen one person do this, besides people on tv, and it is annoying. I always assumed he was putting me on as he’s kind of a weirdo.