This is a hard thing to do, but you just have to practice. I played music on stage for many years. Because of the stage lights, I would have to look in the gwneral direction of people's faces, but I could not make eye contact.
After I settled down, I began a sales gig, and it was IMPOSSIBLE for me to look someone in the eye at first. So, I adopted the old stage tactic. If they were a lttle bit away, I would look at their foreherad or their nose, and just glance at their eyes when I could stand it. After doing this , I just kept upping the eye contact as well as using their name. Now, no problem. I might add, one of the most valuable social skills there is is to look someone dead in the eye, smile like they're your dream date and shake their hand, asking their name.
also, don't try and look in both eyes...pick one!
So I guess the short answer to all this is "Practice". It really won't take long, and you'll be glad you did!
DJ
__________________
Peace,
DJ
"Maturity is nothing more than a firmer grasp of cause and effect."
-Bob
"and the angels, and the devils,
are playin' tug-o-war with my personality"
-Snakedance, The Rainmakers
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