Imploding Stomach

Where's the line between comfortable and uncomfortable locked eyes.

Not just with strangers, although that's what I wonder most often. I mean with friends, though. Even when having a conversation, does it never become awkward to stare into your friend's eyes for an extended period of time? I know I have to look around every once in a while: be aware of all my surroundings... And it seems like a constant game of "who will break eye contact." You don't want to lose, but you don't want to get burned.

I guess the better you know a person, and the more comfortable you are with them, the more time you can lock eyes without feeling the burn.

Whereas, I've sometimes found myself staring into strangers eyes just to awaken to the realization that I've locked eyes for a nanosecond too long, and then you get that burning/imploding stomach feeling.