what would happen if...

​What would happen if we determined that we were going to intentionally work on listening to people when they talk to us?  That is, really listen. All of us are kind of listening when people talk to us. However, if we are not careful we find ourselves so preoccupied with other things that we do not take the time to really listen. Really listening means that the person talking has our undivided attention. We are not thinking about anything else other than what they are saying to us. However, more times than not, this does not happen and we find ourselves not paying attention as we should.
          One way that this occurs is when the person is talking and we are thinking about what we want to say or what our answer will be. We are not really listening. We are simply waiting for our opportunity to talk. We can hardly wait for them to finish speaking so that we can say what is on our mind. Or, if you are like me, you sometimes interrupt them before they are finished because I just have to say what I am thinking. Of course that is rude but it also suggests that I am really not interested in what they are saying and that I am more interested in being heard. It is also arrogant because it says that I think that what they are saying is not worth my time to listen to it, and what I have to say is more important. Of course, when I am speaking, I expect them to do what I did not do, listen.
          A truly good listener is concerned with what the person they are listening to has to say. We must give them the time to finish what is on their mind. If we show that we are truly interested it will make a difference in their wanting to listen to our response. If we cut them off or become impatient at what they are saying, then they will be less likely to want to listen to us. What a difference this would make in all of our conversations if each of us really listened to the other person. I believe it would save a lot of confusion and perhaps hurt feelings and arguments. Many problems and misunderstandings could be settled or prevented if we would only listen. What would happen if…