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Have you ever been in a situation where you're talking to someone and before you're finished the conversation has already been interrupted and it can be frustrating to talk to people who can't listen? I know at least one person who always listens when he speaks but doesn't listen when it's his turn. This behavior can have a variety of causes, including a talkative personality, a knowing attitude, impatience, fear, or simply a lack of interest in active listening. Wait a minute before you start blaming them all. In this case, both parties may be at fault. People who don't listen can annoy you with their poor listening skills (after all, we all want to be heard). But it's also important to explain how this affects your behavior and ask for improvements. Additionally, you should work on your communication skills, especially if you tend to repeat yourself. This can be seen as disrespect for the other party's time. If no one listens to you even though you have been warned about your behavior, it is no wonder that you may feel resentment or distrust from those around you, including friends, partners, and colleagues.
Dr. Munya Bhattacharya, consultant psychologist at Marengo Asia Hospital in Gurugram, says, “They may feel ignored or irrelevant, which leads to resentment and lack of trust. Ignorance of others can lead to emotional distance and unresolved conflicts. Be in relationships." If his opinion is not heard, he may feel ignored and undervalued, which can lead to more serious problems. Effective communication is essential to healthy communication, and active listening is an essential part of it. Dr. Bhattacharyya added that developing effective listening skills is essential to maintaining and promoting healthy relationships. When people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to trust, respect and relate to each other. On the other hand, when we don't listen, we undermine the foundations of our relationships. This can increase the likelihood of emotional distress. "The reasons can range from learned behaviors from past experiences and childhood to personality traits such as exaggeration, aggression or fear," says Priyanka Kapoor, a psychologist and psychotherapist in Mumbai. Not respecting others' points of view often leads to poor listening, Dr. Bhattacharya added.
Although you can't control whether someone listens to you, there are strategies you can use to deal with people who don't listen to you. It's about addressing the other person with open questions. When you explain something, give the other person time to continue with their questions. This helps balance the conversation, advises Dr. Bhattacharya, making “I” statements sound accusatory. Let them know the possible consequences if they don't change. Actively listen to them and demonstrate what effective listening looks like. Show them that you are listening to them too. Nod, make eye contact, and respond appropriately to their cues. Repeat key points to reinforce your message. Anger and frustration when someone doesn't listen to you can put pressure on others. The person is defensive and listens less.
You have to speak at the right time. If the other person is tired, upset, sick, or very busy, you can't expect them to talk right away. Always ask when you can speak freely. It is also better to inform them about the topic of discussion and its importance so that they are mentally prepared, especially if it is a serious topic. If you think the other person isn't listening to you, don't attack them with negative words. “Also, avoid too much talking and repetition. If it takes too long, no one will want to listen. So get to the point and move on,” says Kapoor. Remember that patience is key. Set boundaries and find compromises.
