Listening: how to make your social interactions real
Why do we answer “I’m fine, thanks” even when it isn’t true? Why do we answer superficially when someone asks us how we’re doing? It’s partly because we aren’t sure the other person is really listening.
Arguably, the standard question “how are you?” and the polite response “I’m fine, thanks” come with an unspoken understanding: I won’t tell you what I’m really feeling, because you don’t really want to know. Saying what you really mean has a flipside: it is the listening part. If we are going to speak the truth about what’s really going on, we need to be there for a real answer. We need to really want to know and we need to really listen.
When you think about it, we aren’t really taught to listen. Listening is a skill. It can be learned. But it also needs to be practiced.
You can be the friend, colleague, loved one and neighbour who is really listening. It’s amazing what you can learn, and how connected you can be. And it comes with personal benefits, too. It is an opportunity to develop yourself: to be more attentive, more empathic and more selfexpressive.
Use this checklist of suggestions to help you build the skills to be a truly good listener:
Can I turn the video option on? (Hint: seeing each other makes being connected easier.)
Can I turn the music off? (Remove your headphones or your earbuds.)
Can I listen to my voice mail? (If someone leaves you a message on your voicemail, take the time to listen to it. Sometimes messages contain hints that a friend really needs your ear.)
Can I turn off my ringer and alerts? (Hint: You can say “I’m just going to turn off my ringer now.” This lets the other person know you’re prepared to really listen.)
Can I find a quiet place to talk where I won’t be distracted or interrupted?
Can I step away from my screen? (unless of course you’re on video!) Can I pause the urge to check my phone or my email?
The next time someone asks: “how are you?”, get ready to listen with skill. Your social connections will be stronger for it.