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Listening vs Hearing
One waits to reply. One actually connects.
Most of us do not listen. We hear. We wait, half-present, rehearsing what we will say the moment the other person stops talking.
Real listening is different. It means setting down your own response and being fully present to what someone is actually saying, and to what they are not saying.
People can feel the difference instantly. When you truly listen, you are giving someone one of the rarest gifts there is, the feeling of being understood.
Hold onto this
Stop waiting for your turn. Start being present.