Learning to communicate effectively with your loved one is often simply a matter of learning to listen. Here are eight tips that can help you be a better listener.
Tips for being a good listener:
- Stop yourself from talking.
- Try to imagine yourself in your loved one’s circumstances, but don’t assume that he or she will respond in the same way that you would.
- Show that you’re paying attention by relaxing physically, initiating and maintaining eye contact, and sticking to the topic of conversation.
- Refrain from talking about yourself.
- Continue to encourage your loved one to talk by asking open-ended questions.
- Don’t assume what your loved one is thinking or feeling and don’t talk for him or her.
- Repeat what your loved one says in your own words to make sure that you understand his or her meaning.
- Don’t pass judgment on your loved one’s thoughts or feelings.
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