Hi Abigail! It seems like you have found amazing alternatives which feel more natural and effective to you for connecting with others than eye contact.

And in the end, I guess this is what I really wanted to say with this article: to spread the message that we have the power to be intentional about our relationships, and that there are tools at our disposal that are so simple and yet effective to help us get closer to each other. My example was eye-gazing, yours is physical touch. Whatever works, whatever feels good, whatever brings more love into the world — keep on being your own unique self, using the tools that feel the best for you, and thank you so much for sharing your experience in such a vulnerable and open way!