“Nature has given men one tongue but two ears,
that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.”
Epictetus
I must admit I too often failed to follow this advise. I tended to only half listen and began forming my response before the other person had finished talking. Of course, I missed a lot of what was being said and ended up not really making much of a contribution to the conversation.
After realizing that I was saying stupid things because I hadn’t paid attention to what was being said and sometimes causing hurt feelings I worked on changing my ways. I have learned that conversation can be subtle and with nuances that are important. Now I try very hard to listen attentively and patiently so I can hear what is being said in its entirety and context.
We all want to be heard and we all have something to say but we miss a lot when we start thinking about what we want to say before the one speaking has said what they want us to hear. I think there would be much less anger and conflict in this world if people would slow down and truly listen to each other.
I haven’t perfected my conversational skills. I still too often get distracted and either don’t listen attentively or just rudely interrupt the one speaking. Still a work in progress here.
I will add this…
some people need to be interrupted or they would never shut up
some people really have nothing interesting to say
some people are hateful trouble makers and should be silenced
Like I said, still a work in progress here.
Patricia's Place 
I’ve heard it said…some people listen, and some wait till they can talk again. I listen a lot, with my good ear, politeness over hubris. But there are times I so want to gong the person speaking who is a bit too pompous and full of themselves, caring not a fig for anyone else.
Those braggarts in particular. I’ll tell ya Teddy and Jack’s mom, if I won the Pulitzer I’d never talk about it. You’re like that too…poised and modest, stoic and quite the Lady.
🙂
I agree with you about the braggarts and those who don’t really listen. I don’t know what I would do if I won a Pulitzer…die from the shock I think…good thing there is no chance of getting that prize. Thank you for your praise. Not sure it is deserved but I will try to earn it.
You do deserve it. You’re a GREAT WRITER…I hardly read anyone, but I read you. 🙂
You are too sweet. Thank you for your confidence but I would be happy with good.
Not that I’m anybody, but I hardly read anyone. I get too bored. But I’m never bored with anything you pen. EVER!
Yep, I would say many of us are guilty of not listening. I also understand some people will go on and on if not interrupted. Being respectful in both listening and talking works both ways! Love that adorable cat!
It takes some skill and restraint to be a good conversationalist. Respect is the beginning, I think. The cat made me smile. I wonder if it will grow into its ears?
Yes, I agree respect is the beginning and key to most things in life. The cat is just too cute! 😉
And I talk too much. Need to recondition myself.
Sometimes I talk too much, too. Trying to rein it in.
Me too. Difficult though to curb the instinct.
Good subject matter, it’s given me food for thought – thanks!
You are welcome and thank you for visiting.
Awww on the kitty and I hear you about listening. Some folks can listen. Some folks you think are listening, but they aren’t. And some folks don’t want to talk about anything but what they want to talk about. I avoid those folks.
Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Awww Monday, Patricia. ♥
I am guilty of all of the above from time to time. But I keep working to improve.
Me too. 🙂