![pexels-photo-119616.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVdPpuwx872Y9nsBTdqRJXfA39RoNPvBRg7cAadGsZxPX/pexels-photo-119616.jpeg)
Listening is a critical skill for building relationships, Gaining an understanding of the information in front of us. It also is just a good skill all around.
These days many people struggle with listening. It can be a hard thing to do, Especially when are arguing with someone, Or if they are talking about something we aren't interested in. But it's something we should do anyways.
# Be In The Moment #
Focus on the conversation. Don't let your thoughts wonder off to the future or the past. Focus on what they are saying, and think deeply about it. 

# Use Listening As A Learning Opportunity #
Everyone has some kind of experience or knowledge that they can share with you. 
You can learn lots of new stuff just by listening. See listening as an opportunity for you to learn something new. This should help motivate you to listen to the person who is talking.

# Don't focus on your Reply #
People don't seem to listen. Instead, they are focusing on their response once you stop talking. 
When you are focused on only your reply. The conversation will be more about you, And it won't go as well. You may not have heard or paid attention to the last little bits of what the person was saying. This will cause them to feel that you don't care, And you only care about the word you're about to get in. So try and listen first, Even if it takes you a minute to reply. The other person will see that you are thinking about what they said. 
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# Put Youself In Their Shoes #
This one helped improve my listening skills a lot. I have a friend that always listens to me rant about my investing, and business stuff. But whenever he would talk about a Tv show Or a movie he was excited for, Id get distracted and tune him out.  ( I know, Very rude of me)
My mindset used to be, That movies and Tv aren't as important as investing, And business. And I wasn't interested in those movies or tv shows. So it wasn't important for me to listen.
![people-hand-iphone-smartphone.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTpsVJWtouHW7cwKEWQSK5LgBnPzhGocrXSXtwUyVLQvq/people-hand-iphone-smartphone.jpg)
 boy was I wrong....
He's talking to me about it, Because he's excited about it. And it's something that's important to HIM. He probably isn't interested in the business and investing stuff I talk about, Yet he still bears with me on it.
When I started looking at it from his perspective, I realized that I was extremely rotten. Maybe the Tv show he likes, Isn't something I'd watch. But it was something that made him excited, and happy for whatever reason, Enough that he wanted to tell me about it. The least I can do is listen. Even if I never intend on watching the show. 

So now, Even when I'm extremely tired, And extra prone to distraction,  and he's rambling about Spiderman. I do my best to listen. Even if I may not fully understand what he's talking about. 

How would you like it If someone never listened to you? It doesn't feel good, does it? We all like to talk about things we like. We also all love to be listened to. Improving your listening skills can have a huge impact on your relationships. It also can help you learn from others personal experiences! 








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