I didn't realize it at the time, but I was overstimulated. Most of my conversations until then had been in controlled, predictable environments. I didn't have to maintain eye contact with someone new every five minutes or try to make out what they were saying over a loud crowd.
I've learned ways to accommodate myself and make the experience more comfortable, like taking more breaks and holding a cup of water to give my hands something to do, but there are still things I wish other people knew.
Breaking eye contact doesn't mean I'm not interested in talking anymore. Making eye contact is not easy for me. While I can do it, that doesn't mean it's a comfortable experience.
I know we like to read a lot into body language and voice tone, but I wish people knew body language isn't everything. I can be monotone, even when excited.
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