# Why can't I cross my eyes?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-cross-my-eyes/194796>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 13, 2003, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-cross-my-eyes/194796 "2003-08-13T01:45:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![punkkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7feea3/32.png) [@punkkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/punkkid)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2003, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-cross-my-eyes/194796/1 "2003-08-13T01:45:19Z")

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I’m the only person I know who can’t cross their eyes? Why? I’ve tried every method anyone has ever told me. Why is this? I’m not really bothered, just curious…

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**Author:** ![Joe\_Random](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e8c25b/32.png) [@Joe\_Random](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joe_Random)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2003, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-cross-my-eyes/194796/2 "2003-08-13T01:50:06Z")

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You most likely can (and do) and just don’t realize it (or can’t consciously control it).

Hold out your finger and look at it. Now, bring it as close to your face as you can while still keeping it in focus Congratulations, you’re crossing your eyes!

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**Author:** ![Askia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/96bed5/32.png) [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2003, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-cross-my-eyes/194796/3 "2003-08-13T01:51:53Z")

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Stare at your nose.

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**Author:** ![Teelo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@Teelo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teelo)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2003, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-cross-my-eyes/194796/4 "2003-08-13T07:53:07Z")

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I can’t make the “U” shape with my tounge.  
GUH! i’m such a FREAK!!

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**Author:** ![punkkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7feea3/32.png) [@punkkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/punkkid)\
**Post date:** [August 13, 2003, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-cross-my-eyes/194796/5 "2003-08-13T20:33:13Z")

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Thanks. Wierd query, I know, but anyway…Thanks