We say ‘eye contact’ as if it really is.

Our focus slides off without knowing anything about others, limited to a dismissive and cursory glance. We are afraid to be caught observing other people as if watching and experiencing people is a crime against which we have no defense. So much of our life is spent hiding our attention, interest, or admiration. “Listen more closely,” people tell us. But also, “Observe more closely.” That’s where our humanity reveals itself. – X