What Did You Say?

I like to talk.  I am out going and typically don’t have trouble making conversation. My verbal skills also play a huge role in how I make sense of my world. When something is troubling me I think about it then I want to talk about it.  I may need to talk about it several times over.  Even when there is no new information I often have to say all the same things…again.  Hearing myself speak has a way of realigning my brain and it frees me up to finally let it go; whatever “it” is.  

Fortunately I am married to a guy that is a really good listener. He is better than I am at this skill and I am a therapist.  (Yep, opposites attract) He learned early on that being my sounding board was a great gift that he could give me.  He has also mastered the art of listening without trying to “fix” the problem.  And I think it actually takes pressure off him to know I am not asking for a solution, just an audience.

How often do you give your spouse, friend, family member the gift of really listening?