We’ve all done it… we sit there and pretend we’re paying attention to what the other person is saying. You’re day dreaming about what you’re going to do later tonight when all of a sudden you stop hearing that mumbling sound and you realize it was the person you were talking to about a minute ago.

They finished what they had to say and you’re sitting there clueless. All you can come up with is “Cool”. That should cover your butt, right? But what if the person you’re talking with just explained how their family member is sick in the hospital? You just said “Cool”. Smooth move. If you’re not in the mood to have a discussion, then tell them.

Listening in relationships is extremely important. I’m going to use my personal experiences as an example. When my girlfriend and I have conversations, I make sure I engage in them. I don’t just listen, I want to hear. I’m genuinely interested in what she has to say.

On many occasions it has come up when I recalled a specific date and she was surprised that I remembered. How did I remember? I listened wanted to hear.

People, especially women, will know when you’re really listening and when you’re not. The only reason why I know this is because my significant other always tells me she’s surprised I remembered what she said last week. Actually, at this point she’s becoming accustomed to the fact that I can remember so when I slip up on occasion she let’s me know.

Just remember this, listening is wanting to hear.

Tags: Friendship, life, love