We sat in chairs which faced in parallel directions. We talk but we don't have to stare at each other while we do this. I don't know how aware of this dynamic David is, but I read a report once that pointed out that men in particular don't like to talk while looking at each other. If you want to communicate with men, you can do it best while walking side by side. Women prefer to sit face to face while they confide their innermost thoughts and secrets.
Men prefer less direct eye contact.
I think this is why Jesus seems to do his best communicating to his disciples while they are on the road. The whole gospel is built around the journeys of Jesus, first around the various lands in Palestine, and then on the uphill road to Jerusalem where he is killed. To be with Jesus is to be with him on the way. As with any journey, there are surprises, twists and turns, and growth and change. To believe in Jesus means to take steps which often lead in surprising directions and have surprising results.