> How important is it to have and maintain such eye contact? Is it a power move?
Yes, but not only that. See below ...
>;Should I just stop caring as much as be me where I have to look away at times?
You have this choice. But you'd be forfeiting a "better" version of yourself (improved skills) that you could be ...
> I’m a good active listener, so that’s not a problem.
This is (I humbly think), the key here: Think of eye contact as a way (or, another way, or a complementary way) of *listening with your eyes*, for that is what it (mostly) is: A signifier of attention. You already have in you if you listen well. This is just an extension of that.-
Yes, but not only that. See below ...
>;Should I just stop caring as much as be me where I have to look away at times?
You have this choice. But you'd be forfeiting a "better" version of yourself (improved skills) that you could be ...
> I’m a good active listener, so that’s not a problem.
This is (I humbly think), the key here: Think of eye contact as a way (or, another way, or a complementary way) of *listening with your eyes*, for that is what it (mostly) is: A signifier of attention. You already have in you if you listen well. This is just an extension of that.-