Eye contact

Tom finds it harder to make eye contact while telling a difficult story:

In fact, I

do make eye contact.

If it’s a heavy subject,

I have to

lay off of that some

‘cause it makes it even worse for me in terms of

avoiding choking.

I’ve felt this. I suspect many people have. Why is it harder to look at someone while sharing something difficult? Is it because we fear judgement? Do we feel bad about what we are doing to them by making them listen to something difficult? Do we feel more vulnerable while making eye contact, and need to protect ourselves while telling a vulnerable story?