I have a special place in my heart for good listeners. I think they’re somewhat of a rarity. Finding a good listener is like finding a treasure. You may have to look long and hard to find someone who will really listen, but when you do it is totally life-affirming. I’m happy to have people in my life like that.

The world is full of non-listeners. People who feign listening, while allowing their eyes to be drawn like a magnet to everyone but you. You know the type ~ people who throw an occasional glance and head bob your way, giving you obligatory affirmation at best. It’s like they’re trying, but they just can’t give you the attention you deserve.

Here are a few more examples of “listeners” I have observed:

ë The Interrupter ~ the person who loves to hear the sound of their own voice so much that they cut you off at the pass.

ë The Fixated-On-Your-Mouth Listener, who makes you wonder what substance must be lurking between your teeth to hold such uncanny interest.

ë The I Can’t Wait Till You Finish What You’re Saying So I Can Say What I’m Thinking Listener. Sure, we’re all guilty of that from time to time.

And then there’s the good listener. The one who looks you square in the eyes with no hidden agenda. Who unselfishly puts her own thoughts aside long enough to engage with another human being, giving genuine attention to the one speaking. Who listens intently whether it’s a subject of paramount importance to her own life or not. Period.

Listening is a giving thing. It is often an unselfish thing and sometimes sacrificial. It is most definitely a validating thing. To anyone who will listen (anyone?) I bestow my deepest respect.