You can’t be a good listener if you make everything about you.
You won’t hear what the other person is trying to convey because you will be filtering their words and spinning them to make what they are saying about you.
You can’t help someone when you can’t hear them and you can’t see them.
If you want to be a better listener, and therefore a better friend, you need to be able to set yourself aside and take a walk in their shoes.
Search for a deep understanding of their position, of their fears, and of what they are trying to achieve by asking questions.
Truly listening to someone takes focus and generosity.
And when you listen well you connect, build relationships, and create safe emotional spaces for trust and growth.
The greatest gift you can give someone is the chance to be seen and heard.
This video is not necessarily an example, it’s just the cutest.