Be a listener

How do you feel each time you want to talk to someone, and the person just can't stop for one minute to hear you speak? Bad, right?

How do you feel after leaving the person? Drained, and you might not want to spend company with that person again, especially when you need input or advice from them right?

That is exactly how others feel each time you do the talking, and not allow anyone say a thing or contribute to the discussion.

Listening is the act of paying attention to a sound or speech. It is very different from hearing.

Most times, people just need a good listener to unburden their heart to. They need someone they can talk to, who will actually hear them speak, and listen attentively. 

Your listening and attention is one of the best gifts you can give to your family or friends. It makes them feel cherished, loved, and cared for.

Little wonder why relationship counsellors keep on saying that communication is the key in every relationship, it involves your friends and families.

Bryant Mcgill once said that one of the most sincere forms of respect is listening to what another has to say.

What does that mean to you?

When you listen and hear others speak, you actually show them that they matter, that what they are saying makes sense. It goes a long way to elevate their self-worth.

Let us assume that you are in a situation where someone calls you, telling you he or she needs advice on something very important to them, or they need clarity. You don't have to say a word throughout the discussion. Don't even chip in here and there, except it is important. Just let the person rant, and at the end, they would smile and thank you for advising them or hearing them out.

The thing is, they probably knew what they wanted to do all along, they just needed to talk it through with someone, and get another person's view or they just wanted to feel like their idea wasn't bad.

Decide to actively listen when someone speaks. Most times, all you have to do is keep shut and listen. Don't try to butt in unnecessarily. Your friends will thank you so much for that and, your friendship and relationship will be much better because of it.