Why do we look others in the eye?

When my mother was really pissed at me, she’d focus intently on my eyes and then start rapidly shifting her focus back and forth from eye to eye. It means her eyes were constantly moving but would never break eye contact at the same time - an effect that’s disconcerting as all hell.

I don’t know if it’s deliberate or even conscious on her part, but if it is, it’s mighty effective.