11 Tips for Happier Relationships

Whether romantic or platonic, listening may be the greatest contribution you can bring to your relationships.

Listening strengthens relationships and demonstrates attentiveness, caring, and respect.

Listening is more than just hearing, however.

To truly listen, you must give your undivided attention and put your own agenda and needs aside.

For many people, being able to speak without interruption is like a release. Think of it like carrying around a bucket all day, collecting different thoughts and emotions. At some point, they must be poured out and shared with a trusted friend.

Further, allowing a hurting person to share can be like releasing steam from a pressure cooker. The expression is as crucial to the healing as finding a solution to the hurt.

Good listening is an active process. For some, it comes naturally, but many have to learn and practice the valuable skill of thoughtful listening.

Check out these Dos and Don’ts to consider

1. Do Not Assume

When you are listening, suspend assumptions. Assuming involves having preconceived conclusions about the topic being shared. Confirm your understanding before jumping to conclusions. Making unconfirmed assumptions can be like a train that has gotten off the track, and the conductor may not even be aware of it.

2. Do Not Interrupt

Oftentimes, we are so consumed with our own thoughts; we can’t wait to jump in to speak. Interrupting someone is a frequent mistake people make, especially if they have known each other for some time. This devalues their ideas and disrespects their opinions.

3. Do Not Advise

Unless asked, you should not immediately try to fix the problem or advise the other person on what they should do. Listening is not your opportunity to diagnose and prescribe–leave that to the professionals. Analyzing someone without being invited to will quickly halt your communication and your relationship.

4. Do Not Compete

An example of competing is inserting your experience into the other person’s. “You should hear what happened to me,” or “I had the same experience but even worse!” are not helpful responses when someone is trying to unburden themselves. Some may feel that sharing a related story is proof you were listening, but instead, it may appear that you are trying to steal the show, not to mention expressing you have little interest in them.

5. Do Not Discount

An example of discounting might be saying, “Don’t worry. It’s no big deal. Cheer up.” Do not discount or dismiss other’s emotions. Try to appreciate the perspective, even if you don’t agree with it.

6. Do Not Force

Do not force your agenda; put it aside for now. Listen for understanding, not agreement. Your turn to present your ideas will come later. But while listening, clear your mind and give the gift of your attention.

7. Do Concentrate

When someone is speaking, look at them, and transition your thoughts in that direction. Remove the distractions–put down your book, stop your activity or turn from the TV.

8. Do Ask Questions

It is OK to ask what the other person needs from you while they are talking, especially if you are asking how you can be most helpful. (Does the other person just want to vent, do they want to be understood or do they need ideas?)

9. Do Show Interest

Even if you have no personal interest in hearing about your partner’s new John Deere riding lawn mover, it is kind to express some interest. Ask, “What are the new features?” or “How big is the engine?”

10. Do Empathize

Listen from your heart. Showing empathy is recognizing and appreciating the situation. Saying “I can see how that would be frustrating/very exciting/a surprise to learn about” shows you are listening to the emotion behind the words.

11. Do Be Patient

Listening is a creative force that teaches patience. Choose to be quiet. Allow the other person to finish their thoughts and their words before jumping in with any feedback.

Benefits of great listening skills

• A powerful link to connect two different people.
• Shows you value their needs and ideas.
• Motivates the other to speak without being judged.
• Provides the benefit of not having to mind-read.
• Reduces stress – when an individual feels understood, an enormous emotional burden is lifted; stress and defensiveness are reduced and clarity increases.
• Comfort and safety in knowing you don’t have to weigh thoughts or measure words when sharing your ideas or experiences.

In our daily conversations, listening can quickly take a back seat to talk.

Effective listening is fundamental to good communication.

Good communication is vital to a loving and healthy relationship. Being able to openly communicate and also feel that you have been heard is significant to the success of a resilient relationship.

One of the greatest gifts we can give each other is the gift of our undivided attention – being present.

The more we understand about one another, the less we fear and the more we are open to love.

If you feel that you need extra help managing your relationship, Centerstone is just a phone call away. Call us at 1-877-HOPE123 (877-467-3123) or visit centerstoneconnect.org to get connected with care.