"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people". -Eleanor Roosevelt.
In recent times or in today's world, the quality of conversations is decreasing massively. The constant use of social media, texting, and digital communication has made us all restless or perhaps, distracted.
Often while talking to someone, we try to force our opinions on them, rather than listening to what the person has to say. We interrupt them in between and start narrating our perspectives or thoughts.
Now, one-upping someone is a very common tendency, but constantly trying to interrupt while someone is speaking loses the essence of the conversation.
When we make everything about ourselves, people start avoiding us. Most of the time we try to show that we know everything. We don't really listen to what a person is saying, all we think is how we are going to reply to that.
"There's a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak." - Simon Sinek ,
We should remember that the world doesn't revolve around us. Just like how we want everyone to listen to us, there are others who are really trying hard to make themselves heard. Each person can't really go ahead and strike a conversation, but when someone is genuinely trying to, we must consider their efforts and encourage them.
"God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. So you listen twice as much as you talk."
In the end, people who listen are most loved by everyone. When you sit back and listen intently, nod at times and paraphrase to them whatever they said, it makes the person who was speaking believe that you've heard them. It gives them a sense of validation. Instead of stating out views, try to ask them to give more information about it. This will show that you're interested, the other person will want to share more with you.
By Jennifer Rebello