I understand that eye contact is important for communication, but I just get intensely uncomfortable if it feels like more than a few seconds. I keep something I can fidget with around me at all times, to give a reason to break eye contact. I’ve also leaned into “animated” listening: exaggerated expressions so they know I’m listening. I think it also conveys more trust with the person, because they get much more comfortable sharing after a couple minutes even without lots of eye contact.