The lost art of listening.

Listening. That's the important first step. In communicating with each other. We carry on monologues. Rather than dialogues.  We don't listen to what others are saying.  I'm guilty, too often. I should be a much better listener. Doesn't matter if I'm a good talker. Or a good writer. Better to be a good listener.  First and foremost. Of course, I'm often dealing with bad listeners. But still, I have an obligation to listen. Even to incoherent thoughts. And only then find a way to cultivate a true dialogue. It's up to me. To take the initiative. By giving everyone the courtesy of being listened to. --Jim Broede