Lately I have been considering how true and important this sentence is what it means, and how it can help people become closer to each other. Everyone I meet has something interesting to tell me, and that’s because I ask them, I often say “So, tell me something cool about yourself?” And it helps, people enjoy sharing, and talking, and connecting. I feel like the more I can have someone share with me, the more they think I am an excellent ‘conversationalist’, although I seem to just encourage them to share. I love to listen carefully then ask a question. I love to hear stories and thoughts from other people, and I love to know how different things make them feel. Although I must admit, it’s tough staying quiet and not jumping in to tell my own stories. Keeping silent has been one of the best things I have learned recently. While I keep silent, I grow more curious about the other person, and more and more interested. I have become interested in other people and it has made my life much better. I ask questions and encourage the people I meet to share with me, to share their knowledge and to let me in on their feelings, and I am really grateful. With this new conversation style, I find myself making stronger connections and feeling like I know someone really well, after one meeting. It’s amazing!
“It is the individual who is not interested in his fellow men who has the greatest difficulties in life and provides the greatest injury to others. It is from among such individuals that all human failures spring” - Alfred Adler
This quote may seem harsh, but it may be true. So go out and be interested in people, and not only will you make more friends, you’ll make better quality connections. It is so easy to get someone to share, but people just don’t do it enough. Everyone loves to talk, and it’s rare that you find someone who loves to listen. I used to love to talk also, I thought I impressed people with stories and jokes, but what people really appreciate, is someone who interested in them and what they have to say. Dale Carnegie says “If we want to make friends, let’s put ourselves out to do things for other people –things that require time, energy, unselfishness and thoughtfulness.” This may make the task sound difficult, but it isn’t, it’s easy. Listen, listen, listen, then ask strategic questions, and hopefully before you know it, you’ll discover someone who wants to open up to you, and when people open up, that’s when the best connections are made.
Peace & Love
Recent Articles
Recent Blog Posts