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Whenever I'm talking to people, whether it's a boss or just a random person, I always have this habit of looking to the side of them (near their ears and stuff) instead of looking directly at them. Is that normal?
Eye contact is important to most of society, yes, as everyone else points out. But that doesn’t mean it’s abnormal to not maintain it while speaking.
If it makes you feel uncomfortable, that is valid. If it’s really just a habit you don’t want to break, then that’s a bit of a gray area.
In general, it’s not a bad idea to make an effort to make eye contact, but if you really don’t feel like it, then people will understand.
If they don’t, even after you explained to them that you don’t feel comfortable with it, then they’re probably not worth the time arguing over it.
I like people to look me in the eyes when they speak to me. If it's just goofing off, or something not important, I don't care.
But at work, or something formal, eye contact is very important. It's confidence. If you just stare at my shoes while we talk business, obviously I'm wasting my time.
Make eye contact and keep it as you speak. Ask for a raise while staring your boss down. Ask a girl you like out while keeping eye contact until she looks away. You don't want to be a too stary weirdo, but maintaining eye contact is a sign of confidence and is important.