I love hearing from my friends and family, really I do. And in our conversations, I attempt to do more listening than talking, although I’m not always successful. (Oh wait…….I have a rant to post about that subject….attempting! I’ll post that one next.)
As much as I enjoy hearing from everyone, it always cracks me up when one of them ends the conversation by saying “I’ll let you go.” Let me see, you called me, we chatted. I listened, you talked, and then, when you’re done talking, you tell me you’ll let me go??? Ah….ok, and…..what if I don’t want to go? What if I’d like to actually engage in a true conversation, a two-way communication system? Isn’t saying “I’ll let you go” just a cop-out? A way to avoid taking responsiblity, perhaps. Why not say “thanks for listening and now I’ve got to go.”
I believe that learning to truly communicate with another requires awareness, practice, an interest in the other person’s experiences, and a genuine desire to share. I’ve been blessed to have several such “communicators” in my life, but they are the exception rather than the rule.
Start paying attention to the conversations you have and see if you find this to be true too. Granted, I’ve always had this insatiable curiosity and do love hearing other’s stories, and yes, I’m guilty of asking lots of questions, and no, I’m not really complaining that so many folks use me as a sounding board. (Hey, it’s good to feel useful.) Yet I do so appreciate a “good conversation” too. Actual two-way communication!
