Do you look people in the eyes when conversing about day-to-day things? What about bullshitting with someone in a group setting? I find it hard to maintain eye contact. It happens when i've been speaking to an individual, asking questions for an extended period of time. Then, i expect them to return the favor as the conversation continues, so i'll hold contact at moments. During those moments, my clarity fades, and i'll sink into a pit of mindlessness. They'll look away, i feel they're uncomfortable and it makes me uncomfortable. Eventually i'll blurt something out ridiculous and things tend to get weird there. Any advice?

I try to keep the conversation not... well... going until something comes up that's fun to talk about. But i tend to stay so boggled up in my head that i take on what the conversation has become--boring. Am i asking too many questions? What mindsets work?

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"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." Friedrich Nietzsche

Yes you have low status behavior which woman hate, or more accurately, find dismissible.

There was a good thread recently about holding eye contact and exercises to help with that. I would search for that. Good eye contact is essential for PUA, you wont get very far without it.

Why do i feel like putting on a show in the short-term won't help me DATE women? Rather, how was it decided that faking interest in a conversation would better the connection you build with someone else?

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"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." Friedrich Nietzsche

Because you are right.

When it comes to the eye contact, do a little experiment. Record yourself (on video) telling a story. First time around, do it as you are talking with a real person. In a conversation. No biggie. Now record yourself telling the same story looking directly at the camera.
Play the two recordings back and look in your own eyes, as if a complete stranger.

This should drive the point home.

Al