outsider's perspective; as seen by an observer
Refers to how something looks from the outside, often contrasted with one's own view. Similar to はた目 (はため), but 側目 is less common.
See also: 傍目 (はため)
側目には幸せそうに見えるかもしれないが、実際は大変だ。
It may look happy from an outsider's perspective, but it's actually tough.
From an observer's point of view, his behavior would seem strange.
Compound of 側 (そば, 'side') and 目 (め, 'eye'), literally 'side eye', referring to a view from the side or an outsider's perspective.