Holding Eye Contact to Strangers

[Black]

I normally tend to make eye contact with people when I go about, but for a second; moving on before it generates any tension.
I still haven't learned to fully use peripheral vision (for social stuff).

. . .but these last two months I noticed that a few girls actually stare at me when we cross paths, I can look back but they keep staring.
Maybe it's just the stare-at-the-foreigner thing. I don't know.
So, anyway, I began playing a little game: I stare back, usually with a curious smile, until they give up and look away.
Any practical use for this?

Last time at the bar, I got a shy "hi. . ." and an approach invitation later on, different girl.
Another one just kept giving me this blank stare for no apparent reason, but whatever. . .

In day-game settings? Should I even be doing it at all?

How does this work in the US or Europe, anyway?
. . .lest I pick a habit that'll get me in trouble when I move back.

 

[Bboy100]

This has a few practical uses.
1. Holding eye contact is a good way to build up the courage to finally approach. It creates the same type of pressure as approaching, but to a lesser degree. Once you become comfortable holding EC with strangers, approaching will become a lot easier. Personally, I ALWAYS hold eye contact with strangers.

2. Its a good indicator of a girl's interest. Obviously, you always want to have her break eye contact first.

If she breaks eye contact by looking down, this is submissive behavior. Normally, girls only do this when they view themselves as lower status than you, which also implies attraction. Approaching a girl who does this will have a high hit rate.

If she breaks it by looking to the side, this indicates neutral/no opinion of you. Approaching a girl who does this could go either way.

Breaking eye contact by looking up is dismissive behavior. This means she views herself as higher status than you, and is theraby not attracted to you. Approaching a girl like this is an uphill battle.

 

[Black]

Thanks.
Not bad then, it's all sideways or downwards in this country so far. . .