Are You Listening?

As you probably already know from one of my earlier posts, my Pre-AP English 10 class is reading The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. In Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood, Covey talks about five poor listening styles: spacing out, pretend listening, selective listening, word listening, and self-centered listening.

Honestly but sadly, I find myself doing some of these styles often. Spacing out and pretend listening are probably the styles that I do the most. For example, Audrey, my older sister, has funny stories to tell me after school sometimes. I will listen for a couple of minutes and then I become so self- centered and start worrying about my self that I will start acting like I am listening. I think pretend listening is probably one of the rudest action a person can do when their friend or love one is really hurt or just want to tell a funny story. Ashamed of myself, I am striving everyday to listen better. Listening to their problems or stories, the friend or family member will always know that I am there for them.

Also, this section has really shown me the gravity of listening and that I need to start paying more attention. It has also showed me that I need to think about other people and step into their shoes every once in a while and see life from their point of view. By doing this I will become a genuine listener.