Descry

In the past, I have been scolded for kissing with my eyes open.

The first time was my freshman year of college. In a flashy show of confidence (with the help of a few drinks), I pursued a boy of my choosing and kissed him on the porch of my friend's house. Not aggressive, though undoubtedly awkward, and thankfully returned. After a moment, though, he pulled back.

"You kiss with your eyes open," he said, bewildered.
"I do?" I did? I didn't notice.
"Yeah. That's weird." I agreed it was weird. We continued anyway. Minutes pass, and:
"You're doing it again!"
"I am??" Goodness, I'd kissed boys before, did I always do this?
He laughed. "Yes. It's ok though. I've just never seen it before."

Since then, similarly odd encounters have only happened once or twice. I've gotten much better at keeping my peepers shut. That's how it's supposed to go, right?

People who analyze things too much would say it's a matter of trust. "You don't trust the other party enough to close your eyes." However, this logic seems faulty. What do I think they're going to do, what am I expecting to catch sight of? I don't make out with anyone whom I suspect might steal my wallet, nor do I lock lips with anyone who I think might grope around for something heavy to knock me out with mid-kiss. Think about it: when you're face-to-face with someone else, what could you possibly have to gain by keeping your eyes open?

In case none of you have ever kissed with your eyes open, I will tell you what you are missing: the other person's eyelids. Unless the other person also his his/her eyes open (which, by the way, can be all kinds of unsettling).

I still don't know why I occasionally have this problem. I have theories (my contacts dry out, I get bored, I want to make sure my partner's eyelids haven't fallen off), but none of them seem to make a lot of sense.

So...what exactly am I trying to see?