Whether you were in a quiet, protected setting or a busy, public place, the kind of attention you received made you feel you were the only two people in the world. You knew the other person was open to your concerns or ideas. Your listener conveyed a genuine understanding of what you were saying. You felt heard, understood. If you've been lucky enough to have had even one such experience, you know that when someone listens well, barriers melt, even when the speaker is frustrated, confused, angry, or sad.
Good listeners have a way of making everyone feel like a friend.
But good listening is rare. Few people know how to listen well because they haven't had good role models or the proper training. It does take practice, but most people can become highly skilled listeners. When they do, they quietly open the doors to better relationships at work and at home. This article tells you how skillful listening can promote better partnerships with parents.