re: Looking people in the eyes
There's a social thing you do when talking to someone. You're supposed to make a triangle with your eyes, look at the left eye, then right, then drop down and look at their nose, then back up, quickly. This happens normally but if you're out of practice, just remember to do it. Also, when you're thinking about something to say in response, look away, then come back and do the triangle while you're listening to them.
If you're attracted to someone, it turns into a bigger triangle, this happens naturally too but if you're out of practice remember to look at them the regular triangle, then include the lips and the forehead.
I know how you feel though, when I first started getting back out there I had this sort of dead big eyed stare into their eyes, and that made for a very uncomfortable conversation.