Good communication is built on mutual respect. So where does respect start? With listening!

Have you ever spoken up in your relationship - only to be ignored or put down? Not much fun, is it? Those kinds of experiences can encourage us to keep our thoughts and feelings to ourselves, rather speaking our minds.

Be honest: when you feel like someone is really listening to you, you feel respected, right? Listening is an important part of a healthy relationship – and it’s a skill that improves with practice!

Learning to be a good listener will improve all your relationships - with friends, parents, your girl or boyfriend, your teammates, and co-workers!

Improve your relationships:
3 Secrets to Listening Success:

Work at it. Most of us would rather just do what comes naturally, but a good communicator will take the hard road to success over the easy road to silence. It takes time and commitment.

Seek to understand. This will help convey to other people that you are not only trying to understand, but that you truly care.

Give a response to show you’re listening. It’s easy for our minds to wander with all the distractions of day to day life - so when your having a conversation and want the other people to know you’re listening, try this.

React physically. Turn toward the person. Lean forward. Nod your head in response and make eye contact.
Request more information. “Tell me more—I’m interested.”
Reflect on what has been said. Use a leading statement like “That must have been rough on you.” Or “You seem quite excited by meeting him”
Repeat or rephrase statements with feeling.
Remain silent when the other person is telling a story. Don’t interrupt, and don’t finish sentences for him or her.
Refrain from thinking about your answer while the other person is still talking.
Express your encouragement and appreciation for what the other person has shared with you. “What you said makes a lot of sense!”