The Mister and I agree on a lot of things, especially that it is neither charming nor kind to talk over someone when they are trying to speak. Essentially, that means you aren’t listening to the other person, which makes them feel unimportant.

Listening is a skill, perhaps even an art form. So like many things, it takes practice, practice and more practice. The beauty of perfecting the art of listening, is that you get to have scores of fun, exciting, meaningful conversations with acquaintances, friends and loved ones.

The next time you are on the phone or face-to-face with someone, just listen. If your mind wanders to what you might want to say next, stop yourself and redirect your attention to the words coming out of the other person’s mouth. Focus — we know you can do it. When your companion finishes speaking, pause, then respond. Rinse and repeat.

Imagine what it feels like to have someone hang on your every word. Wouldn’t it make you feel good? Wouldn’t you feel as if what you were saying mattered to the person to whom you were speaking? Wouldn’t you feel as if you mattered to that person? That would be a nice feeling.

Re-find your inner listener. We know he or she is in there, you just have to hush. Shhhh.

Cheers!

M