I had a date tonight; in the latter part compliments came up, and her one for me was that I have really pretty eyes.

I bring this up because 8 months ago I didn't look people in the eyes. I never understood why eyes were even important, why people talked about them when describing others. Now I consiously practice holding strong contact with people, all the time. Friends, coworkers, my boss, strangers, dates. I cannot describe how this has changed my life. I feel my confidence at work has really had a boost. I feel I have equal footing in interactions where I used to feel self-conscious. In dates, I feel it gives me more control, and helps establish a stronger bond quickly. With a pause in conversation, it is so much more badass to look in her eyes from a relaxed position a bit than to look down and stutter on a new topic (locking eyes before a kiss - also key).

If you have trouble maintaining eye contact with people, read about it, make a conscious effort to do so with everyone in your life. DO IT.