Listen...

So I just saw somebody use the hashtag #timeofthemonth on twitter and it reminded me of an incident a few weeks ago (don’t worry there is no graphic details of periods, and yes I did write periods and no there is nothing wrong with saying or writing it, get over it!) where me and some friends were say chatting in public about random things such as breastfeeding and the weird and wonderful stories we had heard about such things. Some guys were sat near us and my friend indicated to me that they were listening in, I glanced over my shoulder and noted some horrified expressions as well as clear amusement from the lads.

You can learn so much just by listening in on peoples conversations even if it’s just people gossiping about so and so calling so and so fat, you can’t help but listen in and in your head often get involved in the conversation. I know it’s not just girls that do this (see above) and sometimes it is really difficult to hold your tongue. For me sometimes the worst thing is when people are discussing something and one is so adamant they are right about something even when you know they are a thousand and ten percent wrong. I find it so hard not to interrupt and put them right, mostly fear of getting a “who do you think you are butting in on our conversation” response keeps me from saying anything! You never know who you might end up offending!

But I do think you can learn a lot just through listening and although I might waffle on sometimes I have also spent time trying to refine my listening skills. There is so much you can learn from another person’s experiences and opinions and therefore I think everyone should take more time to really listen to what someone is saying to you. Once you do this you begin to learn some of the unspoken things they are trying to get across to you to.

Never be ignorant enough to think only your voice should be heard. Listen to others and you might just learn something new.  

xox