The opposite of tunnel vision

Seeing from the periphery

Have you noticed that the tiniest of stars are visible only when you look slightly away from them? I’m told it’s because the eye’s rod cells—the ones that perceive black and white—are not at the centre of the retina where the colour-perceiving cone cells sit. That’s why averting your eyes just a little can give you clearer sight of faint objects.

I’ve known a few timid cats that only began to trust me when I didn’t give them too much attention. In fact, I’ve known some people who are most comfortable when you’re not regarding them too closely.