LISTENING:

It is, in my opinion, one of the lost arts of humanity.  Everyone wants everyone else to do it, yet, they don’t do it themselves alot of the time.  So, how can we all try to do better you might ask?  Well, in this post; I am going to explore some of the ways in which each and every one of us can try a little harder to do just that, LISTEN to one another.

Suggestion 1:

While in a conversation with someone that you have some form of relationship with; whether that be a friend, or a family member, or even a co-worker; show them respect when they are speaking to you.  If you are in the middle of something and they begin speaking to you; you need to do one of a couple of things.  The first thing you can do, is stop what you are doing and turn to them and listen; or, you can ask them how long they will need and if you can get with them at a later time to discuss with them what they are needing to talk about, but explain to them that they really are important to you, and you really want to hear what they want to say to you, so, it would be better for you and more convenient if you could talk with them later so you can give them your undivided attention.

Suggestion 2:

Upon meeting a stranger in places like airports, train stations, bus stations, or those types of mass transit places, or even malls or grocery stores, or it could even be other places you find yourself waiting in long slow lines, like a bank for instance, one of the best ways to be friendly is to listen to the stranger who is standing near you when they decide to strike up a conversation with you.  Even though you don’t know them, there is no reason to be rude to them and not pay attention to what they have to say, who knows, something may come of the conversation that you would never have guessed in a million years.  Such as a little tip or hint that falls into the professional piece of advice category, or, just some unknown household trick that solves one of your major pet peeves when it comes to house hold chores…you just never know.

Suggestion 3:

Here is one that I personally try to do myself always, and to all people I come into contact with; and that is the “Do Unto Others as You Would have Done Unto You.”  Yes, the good ol’ fashion Golden Rule; it still works and is relevant today.  So use it, and enjoy the benefits that can be gained from doing so; for if you listen to someone you don’t particularly want to, that will be paid back to you in return by possibly someone you want to listen to you whom you know doesn’t want to.   If you are always mindful of the type of example you are portraying to the world of your listening skills, then occasionally it will catch on to those around you and you will find others doing the same to you.

Well, that is my two cents on the subject, now go, and turn it into nickels and dimes of wealth to others!