How to be a better friend by improving your listening skills
There are several phrases that most of us have heard growing up when it comes to being a good listener. We have heard listen more than you speak, you have two ears and one mouth, listen twice as much as you talk, words are powerful, think before you speak, and of course be an active listener. All of these are great, but how often do we actually implement them with our close friends?
We have a level of confidence and comfortability when it comes to our inner circle and knowing that we can spew all the information we want and at the end of the day our best friends will probably still be our best friends. But when was the last time you really sat down to listen more than you speak?
Some thing I reflect on earlier this week is that just because you are best friends it does not mean that you can’t be a better friend. I want to be a better friend to the most important people in my life. One of the ways I am working on doing that is doing a better job of listening to them.
What makes a good listener
Good listeners seek FIRST to understand and seek next to be understood! This is a quote my dad always told me often growing up. And if you watched my recent Instagram lives as Miss grand United States I’ve said this several times now😉
Some of this seeking requires us to interpret verbal and nonverbal cues, tone of voice, body language, facial expressions, and amount of verbiage coming from our friend. Good listeners will show their engagement by asking questions if and when appropriate. By doing this, you will encourage and welcome the thoughts of the person you’re listening to.
Some key tips… Listen fully before interrupting, acknowledge what your friend is saying, and at the end of the day… If you feel you can do better just ask! They are your best friend for a reason or one of your close friends for a reason, ask them what you can do better.
Hope you learn to something today my friends and thank you for reading. Until next time,
Emily Rose