several years ago i took a counseling class. i was never really interested in doing counseling, and only took it because it was required for a certification i was pursuing. i remember one lecture on active listening skills that was actually very practical. the instructor shared several tips on how to be a good listener - tips that i felt would help me become a better friend, employee, wife, daughter, sister. those tips included things like direct prompts during the conversation (i.e. "so what you're saying is..."), eye contact, and engaging yourself. the latter involves proper responses, subtle prompts and cues that indicate you're listening (i.e. "you mean like..."). i remember being pretty excited about these tips and put my mind to making them habits.
however, i've noticed in the last year or so that the habit of engaging and prompting has skewed into the annoying habit of interrupting and finishing other people's sentences. yikes! i certainly don't want to become one of "those" people. like any habit that has been ground into your psyche, it's very hard to break. i try to catch myself doing it, but more often than not i find myself doing it without realizing it. then, later after the conversation, i'll realize i didn't let them finish what they were saying.
just wanted to let you know i'm working on it. i realize that if i'm not careful, i could become
this.
