Crash course in learning to listen: strengthen all your friendships in one fell swoop

Being able to listen well is perhaps one of the most important qualities you can have as a person. Those who can listen well to what others say are often very beloved. Beloved in all circles and layers of society.

Most people are mainly busy talking. Admittedly, I did this for a long time and still do it sometimes. Often we talk so much that we don't even realize that listening can also be a very good option. When we talk ourselves, we won't hear much new and learn little at that moment. But hey, everything can be learned if you want it yourself.

Want to improve the quality of all your relationships? To become a better friend/partner/daughter/father: business partner/colleague/person? Here are some listening tips.

* Be aware. Sounds very silly, but you'll notice that you absorb conversations better when you make the ‘listening part’ your highest priority.

* Try not to drift off. As soon as you think of something else, it immediately shows in your body language. You probably notice this in others when you tell a story. Doesn't feel nice, does it? Try not to give that feeling to someone else.

* Difficult but fun to test yourself: try not to fill every story with your opinions, experiences, and insights. Try not to find an ‘oh yes, I know a story like that too’ example. Just listen.

* Do. Not. Finish. Sentences. Of. The. Other. There. Is. No. Rush.

* Make it a real thing in your mind to not interrupt anyone anymore. Let your conversation partner finish speaking. People love that.

* Is the other person done talking? Ask a new question. Give attention without expecting it back. You'll see that this is easier with some people than with others.

* When you talk about yourself: try to keep it shorter than usual. You'll feel whether the other person is really interested in you, and then there can always be room for your story later in the conversation.

* And if that doesn't happen: then it doesn't. Some people will always want to spit out their story. That's fine too. Not everyone is focused on learning to listen better, this is now your journey.

* Discover how beautiful conversations become when you listen a little more often. It's even more fun than talking about yourself. By listening, you learn more, create more valuable moments, and your world becomes much richer. Go for it!