An alternative is being encouraged to go into product / management roles (read: out of engineering) because you've got "communication skills."
If you don't like their eyes, focus on the bridge of their nose, they won't be able to tell the difference.
For neurotypicals, it creates sensations of companionship and trust, until it goes on too long and then it becomes creepy and uncomfortable for them.
I got used to it over time, but sometimes it nags at me.