Two tricks to (less) creepy eye contact

Two tricks to maintain eye contact without being (too) creepy:

- Interrupted conversation: ideal for people we are still knowing. Break the conversation into two parts, one shorter and more introductory, and the 'real' one. Stare at the person for the first time as much as you can but then drop the conversation to return shortly. Some ways to do it:

  * If you are going to talk to someone, ping them about the subject and ask to talk to them sooner. E.g. get to their room and say "Hey, I have to talk about that problem X. I have an idea that may not be ideal but may work. Can we talk now? Ok then, let only grab my water glass and we talk about it."

  * Check something out. If you are staring for too much, think about something to look at. E.g. "Ok, about this thing you are talking about, I have to check a message from John Doe." <grabs the phone> "Oh, right, no worries, he is ok with that."

- "Ear staring": If the person is speaking for a somewhat longer time (i.e. no more monosyllables) you can turn your hear slightly in their direction while looking at them with the corner of the eye. Once they're done, you can stare again.

Those may be a bit creepy depending on context, I know, but they are just starters. Once you break the conversation barrier, the staring turns itself less problematic (in my experience at least). (Also, the work well on the cultural environments I use to participate, may not be appropriate to yours.)