It’s harder to do the telling, for me. I look down like a coward.

Neither, those are both important enough to give them full & equal focus.
Now, if it was a cross-eyed admirer…

Both. I have major self-esteem issues that makes it almost impossible to make and keep eye contact.

Can you really keep track of the time spent looking into eyes?

When I tell how I feel but only if I’m angry, reproachful or accusing. People seem to have a hard time keeping eye contact when you’re pissed at them. Eyes can’t do anything though, means fuck all as I’ve stared down folks who came at me aggressively. I should become a UFC fighter or something.

I have no problem making eye contact regardless of the topic. I always notice when someone can’t make eye contact as it comes easily for me. It’s also a form or respect and giving ones full attention to the person at hand.

I have the opposite problem. The work I do requires me to work with people from a culture where eye contact can be considered rude and is avoided. I come from a culture where making eye contact suggests honesty, sincerity and trust. So I actively have to think about not maintaining eye contact too much.