Very important. I associate eye contact with both confidence and vulnerability. There's a great intimacy to looking someone else in the eyes. I realize that not everyone is comfortable with this (sometimes due to disorders), but it's always been key for me in relating to other people. (San Francisco, CA)

It's very important to me. In my opinion, it's one of the best forms of nonverbal communication. Through eye contact, you can feel and understand so many things for the other person. It's a great communication tool that unites people. (Palo Alto, CA)

Important. It provides the possibility of intimacy and can alert you to danger. (Chicago, IL)

As someone who is shy, it can seem daunting at times. But there is so much truth to be found in just meeting someone's gaze.

extremely, I wouldn't stop talking to someone over it, because I know it's not comfortable for everyone, but I would probably not seek out that person again (San Francisco, CA)