Words to Live By in a Healthy Relationship: 'LISTENING'
Word of the Day: “Listening”…. “Listening…. the more you know about a person’s needs, the better you position yourself to meet those needs.” – Zig Ziglar
The art of listening is paramount in any relationship. It is the key that unlocks the door to understanding your partner. We were given two ears and only one mouth for a reason…it’s to listen twice as much as we speak.
Healthy relationships require a desire to understand rather than be understood…………if I have a genuine interest in what you have to say rather than getting my point across ………….what I found from personal experience with my wife is that when my ultimate goal is to come to resolution, I’m more likely to listen re is a huge difference rather than just getting my point across to “win”.
In a relationship if someone is winning then consequently someone is also losing…. and relationships are based on a team effort.
Listening takes practice….it implies a genuine concern for your partner…….if my ultimate goal is to just be heard then all I have to do is keep talking……..but does anything really get heard…….when listening is being applied then the dialogue is more likely to fall under the category of discussion rather than argument.
Equally as important is being able to listen to the unspoken word; that’s when you know you are really in tune with your partner. Being able to sense their mood or the way in which they may say something
and respond accordingly……now that’s performing the art of listening
There is a huge difference between hearing someone and listening to them….I can be in crowded room and hear people talking but it doesn’t mean that they have my attention.
The natural by-products of genuine listening are compassion, concern and empathy, all principles that promote harmony…….. our ultimate goal in any relationship.
I think it’s fair to say that women talk more than men; hence they want to be heard more than men But ladies here’s a tip….men may not talk as much but when we do, we want to be heard just like you.
Listening does much more than allow me to connect with words…it allows me to connect with the soul of your partner
Attentive listening is also a measure of unselfish one may be. From personal experience with my wife early on we had some difficulties do to my selfish attitude.
Live Long and Love Life!!!
Steven Anthony King
Certified Relationship Coach
Complete Chocolate Couples Inc.
