Listening and Conversation

      Have you ever had the experience where someone asks you, "How are you?" and before you can answer, they have already walked off and are talking to someone else?

      Was that just a rhetoric question?  Or, was the person just not interested in how the hell you were?  It is amazing how some people like to have conversations where they are the only ones talking.  Sometimes, in order to get in a word edgewise, you have to wait until they take a breath before you try to blurt out your comment or contribution to the "conversation."

      The dictionary defines conversation as people talking together.  There is no indication of people listening to each other.  Sometimes, the ability to listen is an art, especially for fast talking people.  If you are a slow talking Midwesterner,  you don't have a chance to get a word in the exchange.  You might have a whole lot of listening to do in the conversation, though.

      Listening is necessary for appropriate reaction.  There are people whose demeanor cause speakers to just spill their guts out, whether they wanted to or not.  It is interesting to watch a conversation and watch the expressions of the listener...do the expressions show interest, disdain, disbelief, or a blank look of euphoria.

      When have you had a conversation with comfortable periods of silence?  As the proverb reminds us, you have two ears and one mouth to listen twice more than we speak.