How do you use eye contact in ordinary conversation?

In conversation, I notice that my eyes tend to look at the person when I’m not talking, but I drift off into nowhere when I’m talking. If I try to talk and look someone in the eye at the same time, it is more difficult. If the person is someone I really have an interest in, it is more difficult to keep eye contact because I tend to be unable to think at the same time, which is embarrassing, especially when I am having a serious conversation with a beautiful graduate student.

I’m told that the rules about eye contact are different in various cultures. In some it is rude to have eye contact and in others it is rude not to have it.

What’s your experience with eye contact? How much time do you maintain eye contact with someone? Does it vary depending on who you are talking to?

What do you know about the different eye contact practices in other cultures?