I’ve
heard that one of the most sincere ways to love someone is to listen. Really listen.
I
can be a really good listener but I can also be full of advice. My mood will drive which one takes over. Sometimes the friend will be going in circles
with the same problem and I forget to listen and jump in with advice.
Regardless of my mood, listening more and giving less advice is a good challenge for me.
How
about you – are you overly abundant with advice?
I love your advice sista! You are a great listener too! Love you!
ReplyDeleteListening is something I have to remind myself to do! I've learned that there are times when people don't want advice, just an ear to talk to. It's not easy to keep our advice to ourselves but sometimes it's just not needed.
ReplyDeleteI would say I have a good balalnce...sometimes I have to take a step back.
ReplyDeleteAfter my bf passed away almost 3 years ago, I got a boat load of advice and opinion. It was awful. So now I hold my tongue, almost 99 percent of the time, and I ALWAYS ask if someone wants me to just listen or give my opinion. That way you're in the clear if they don't necessarily like what you have to say... Listening is a struggle, but when you're on the receiving end of the advice, it's not fun.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, thanks for your insight! It's really helpful to hear the OTHER side of the "coin". I think that's a great idea to ASK if they want a listening ear OR to hear some advice. I think people would respect and appreciate that.
DeleteI really don't think so, though I know I can be guilty of it sometimes. In general, I do think I'm a good listener. At least, I'd like to think so. There is always room for improvement!
ReplyDeleteYes! I am always overly abundant...LOL! But it's funny you are writing about this topic today...I have been recently learning to NOT offer it when not ASKED. When someone asks, "Hey, what do you think...?" or "What should I do?" or "How would you handle this?"...THEN I tell them. Otherwise, I give a sympathetic ear. Because most times, people already know what to do...they just need someone to LISTEN. But like I said...I'm still LEARNING..lol!
ReplyDeleteI am not a big advice giver but, more out of my lack of boldness to do so. I admire when people can offer advice without being nervous about upsetting someone all the time which I always seem to be. LOL
ReplyDeleteYes I try to listen too, but sometimes it's easier said than done!
ReplyDelete