Opinions. Everybody's got one, but the probem is that we don't want to listen to those that differ from ours. I find it very easy to talk, and listen, to those frogs whose opinions are in line with mine. And not so eady to listen to those whose opinions are different. Are't humans the same way?
It becomes increasingly more difficult to listen, I mean really listen and be quiet, while with opinions that are polar opposite of ous, speak their peace. We lose patience. We but in. "Ya, but..." is what we always interject, even if it's not yet our turn to speak. Humans, as well as those frogs who talk, have a natural way of of endinging our spoken thoughts. We end our sentences in a downward tone. That signals the other person, that we're finished and it's their turn to speak. However, very few of us ever wait 'til it's our turn before we just jump right in. I am notoriously bad at doing this. I don't mean to be rude. I just get excited and want to make a point while it's still fresh in my mind. If I don't, I'm apt to forget it.
We're all in a hurry for our turn to speak; to do our best to convince the other party that they're wrong and we're right. When we do this, though, we can losing valuable information. I can't even count the times, during a conversation, that I've but in, forcing the other frog to stop talking, only to find out later...much later...that they had something very interesting (and even important) to say. But no, I rudely cut them off.
The nicest, kindest, smartest people (and frogs) do this so it isn't a sign of stupidity or a lack of manners. I think it's because all of us always want to be right. It makes us feel good. Superior even,
What if, for just one day, we all bit our tongues (that's a little harder to do for us frogs) and just kept quiet? I know it'd be hard, but let's agree to try it. Sound good? The next time you're in a conversation with someone whose opinion differs from your, hear them out. Let them talk and talk and talk. When they're finishd, and you'll know it, smile and say something nice like, "That's an interesting way to look at it" or "Sounds to me like you've given this some thought." Then, and only then, throw in your 2-cents worth. I bet your conversation partner will not only be shocked by your ability to listen and hear what they're saying, but will be far more inclined to agree with whatever it is that you say. I've been told that it's actually kind of fun to be part of a two-way conversation, one with give and take. I'm not only willing to try it, I am eager for the opportunity.
How about you? You game?
It becomes increasingly more difficult to listen, I mean really listen and be quiet, while with opinions that are polar opposite of ous, speak their peace. We lose patience. We but in. "Ya, but..." is what we always interject, even if it's not yet our turn to speak. Humans, as well as those frogs who talk, have a natural way of of endinging our spoken thoughts. We end our sentences in a downward tone. That signals the other person, that we're finished and it's their turn to speak. However, very few of us ever wait 'til it's our turn before we just jump right in. I am notoriously bad at doing this. I don't mean to be rude. I just get excited and want to make a point while it's still fresh in my mind. If I don't, I'm apt to forget it.
We're all in a hurry for our turn to speak; to do our best to convince the other party that they're wrong and we're right. When we do this, though, we can losing valuable information. I can't even count the times, during a conversation, that I've but in, forcing the other frog to stop talking, only to find out later...much later...that they had something very interesting (and even important) to say. But no, I rudely cut them off.
The nicest, kindest, smartest people (and frogs) do this so it isn't a sign of stupidity or a lack of manners. I think it's because all of us always want to be right. It makes us feel good. Superior even,
What if, for just one day, we all bit our tongues (that's a little harder to do for us frogs) and just kept quiet? I know it'd be hard, but let's agree to try it. Sound good? The next time you're in a conversation with someone whose opinion differs from your, hear them out. Let them talk and talk and talk. When they're finishd, and you'll know it, smile and say something nice like, "That's an interesting way to look at it" or "Sounds to me like you've given this some thought." Then, and only then, throw in your 2-cents worth. I bet your conversation partner will not only be shocked by your ability to listen and hear what they're saying, but will be far more inclined to agree with whatever it is that you say. I've been told that it's actually kind of fun to be part of a two-way conversation, one with give and take. I'm not only willing to try it, I am eager for the opportunity.
How about you? You game?
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