Are You Listening?

Do you have a pet peeve? Mine is not being heard. Like Charlie Brown’s teacher, my words become garbled between my mouth and the receiver’s ears. For example, I carefully explain my computer question to a tech. He nods his head and then begins to share stories that are completely unrelated to what I need. Okay, I don’t speak computerese. Maybe this is my fault. I try again, with the same results. Now I look for a hidden camera. Candid Camera is surely involved.

This also happens with things and people I know. Years ago my husband asked what I wanted for my birthday dessert. I replied, mint chocolate chip ice cream or ice cream sundaes. Just, please, no bakery cake. (I’m not a big cake lover, but my sweet tooth and conscience would compel me to eat it all anyway. Waste not…) He must have fallen comatose after posing the question and was jolted awake by the words “bakery cake,” because I received a large expensive one. [click to continue…]

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Comment by Ann Musico on October 10, 2012 at 6:21am: Debbie - I relate to both sides of this. I hate to admit I have been guilty more often than I should've of not listening with full attention and the intent to understand what was being said rather than to formulate my own response. That's such a selfish way of interacting with people and I believe I have improved in this quite a bit but of course still have room for much improvement. Great post. (I especially can relate to the hairdresser thing - have had that happen!!!)

Comment by Carol Howell on October 10, 2012 at 3:01am: I don't think it is an exaggeration to say I appreciate a good listener more than most any other thing in life.

Thanks for a great blog.

Carol Howell