Do you listen as well as you speak?
Posted by Jenni Rowell | Filed under Rantings
I highly doubt it.
Not to toot my own horn or burst anyone’s bubble in the process, but I know for a fact that most people are not active listeners. Listening not only involves hearing audible sounds, but you should also be willing to engage a bit more and really let the words of those around you steep if you will. Take it all in and let it swim around amongst your own thoughts.
Unfortunately, a majority of the words we hear throughout the day are next to useless so it may be tough to know what to store or what to respond to and what to just send into the recycle bin. In my opinion, it’s best to address things in terms of importance/priority. When I hear from someone that they are having a bad day because their car broke down and in the process of installing the spare they broke their finger, I immediately address the fact that this person is in pain and say that I am sorry. What I so often hear in somewhat similar conversations is the person whom is supposed to be listening will say, “Oh, I just got a flat a couple of months ago pulling out of the driveway. I just about told the guys over there at ______ tire to just leave the spare on because I was not about to shell out $100+ for one g-d tire!”
What’s wrong with this response?
Not only does the person with the broken finger feel completely shafted, but now the guy in need of an attitude adjustment just joined the ranks of millions that should be thrown into a cage full of starving lions with their hands tied behind their backs and nothing but their selfish words to defend theirselves.
A bit harsh? Not at all. I think we have all felt the sting of feeling as though you’ve just poured your heart out or perhaps even had the audacity to be honest when someone ask’s how you are and instead of someone saying that they are sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well or that you dog died, you get “you think that’s bad, well listen to what happened to me the other day”. No. No. No. No. I won’t give you the respect of offering my time because you don’t deserve it. You’re selfish and rude and I don’t care to listen to what happened to you.
So… I guess you could say I am a little fed up with some people.
I’ll make the world a little better by kindly telling people to stop saying words or forming sounds with their vocal chords and mouths. And I do so that you don’t have to.
ciao.
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rebeccadavis19
