Often, people like to hear themselves speak. When talking to someone else, it’s common to be thinking, as they are speaking, how to make it about you and respond. Instead, what I’m proposing is to be truly interested in other people and ask them questions about what they may be discussing or interested in themselves.
Think about that for a moment. To ask questions of someone instead of being ready to respond with information about yourself is focused on the other person. It’s giving your full attention when spoken t0.
Do n0t “one up” another’s story. Ask questions. Sh0w the respect you would also expect. It’s a bit of the Golden Rule.
Also part of the Golden Rule is gossip. Part of being interested in someone is avoiding gossip whenever possible. After all, if someone is going to talk about someone else, they are most likely talking about you, too.
Similarly, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. This may seem cliche but it’s true.
That’s why time always exposes what you mean to someone. This is really something I’m going to focus on. I want to give time and attention, especially for those who mean something to me.
Additionally, I’m going to really try to be as positive as possible. People like being around those wh0 are positive and smile and don’t make everything about themselves.
