be a better listener

I’ve been bickering with Jason all day and have been a real bitch. Why don’t I remember to listen until AFTER we’re done fighting?

Had a fight w/my husband and afterwards I thought to myself, “Boy, that would have been a good time to practice being a good listener. Oops.” Oh well. Guess I just have to get back on the wagon and try harder next time.

I did a good job last night. My husband needed to discuss a phone conversation he just had with a family member and I remembered to be an active listener. It’s hard to remember sometimes though. And it seems like there are only so many opportunities so you have to recognize them. I mean, a conversation about shoes doesn’t seem like a real “active listening” scenario, but maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I should be doing this for every conversation. Buddhists believe listening helps alleviate pain, and that just by listening, you help a person. Maybe I SHOULD pay more attention during the shoe conversations, though I’m not sure what kind of pain I’d be alleviating.

One of my friends came over last night and I practiced some active listening. I just have to keep on top of it and remember to do it more often.

Being a good, attentive listener is essential to being a good person and a good friend. This is just one step to being a better human being.