Listening

How many people do you know who, during the course of any given conversation, talk about themselves the majority of the time?  Now, how many people do you know who listen, and ask questions about someone else's topic?  What a fuckin' disparity.  Everyone knows that it is enjoyable to talk about yourself...hell, we've all had moments where we realize we've been blabbing on and on about shit pertaining to us, and anyone listening is probably getting tired of it.  Or have we?  I'd like to think that we all have those moments, but the reality is that there are one hell of a lot of people who have no idea that they just need to shut up about their own stuff, and lend an ear from time to time.  It's ok to put the stories about yourself on the back burner for awhile, and hear what someone else has to say for fucks sake.  In fact, it can be downright fulfilling.  Ever care to have a meaningful conversation with someone?  Something other than just surface level BS that either of you couldn't really give a shit about, and you're just using to pass the time?  If you don't, then you're likely a walled-up waste of life...but if you do, here's how that works.  One of you talks, and the other listens, inquiring thoughtfully at the appropriate moments.  When they have thoroughly covered and finished a thought, THEN you can give your 2 bits on the issue, and they can do the question asking.  From there, it goes back and forth, eventually leading somewhere a little more significant than a one-up contest.  Don't interject in the middle of their dialogue because you just can't wait to tell them about how your scenario was cooler, or bigger, or more significant, or more life changing.  Don't interrupt because you remembered something on a different topic that you just can't wait to share.  Keep your trap shut, and hear what they have to say first.  Trust me on this, it's well worth a try.  Even if you think you're a good listener right now, observe yourself next time you are conversing with someone.  Are you actually considering everything their saying?  Are you adding short, insightful questions or comments to their dialogue?  You'd be surprised how often you end up trying to reroute the content back to yourself.

Today's wisdom:  don't be that annoying person that always steers a conversation around to yourself.