It's different for different people and I think it depends more on personality /psychology than anything. For me, it loosens me up and the natural anxiety in me doesn't act up as much. But unless you're taking your work home with you, I cant imagine you're going to be getting drunk in class. It sounds like you guys are pretty good though. Awkwardness applies to everyone kind of the same way. The more comfortable I am when I stutter, the more comfortable the listener is and the more uncomfortable the listener gets, the more my anxiety ramps up. So just be patient, if you feel it's getting too tense, taking some notes is a nice way to break the eye contact. You guys all sound like you're mature and respectful so I dont know how much more you can do. for me personally, I just want to be treated normally; not better, not worse. All I ask for is a little extra patience. IF you have any other questions at all, feel free to ask until you're content.