#582

MOST PEOPLE

DO NOT LISTEN

WITH THE INTENT

TO UNDERSTAND;

THEY LISTEN 

WITH THE INTENT

TO REPLY.

In fact, most people (not just your kids) don't really care what YOU have to say, they care about what THEY have to say. Most like the sound of their own voice and feel that whatever they have to say is much more important than anything you might have to say. 

No matter what is being said, many people will only hear what they want to hear. Some pretend to listen while they prepare their point of view. Others don't even bother to pretend, they just change the subject, or walk away, disregarding you entirely.

It is not about you.... it's all about them.

When you actually listen to someone it shows an interest and/or concern, with a concerted effort to understand. Listening is a skill only some are able to perfect, most jump to conclusions and interrupt, rather than concentrating on what's actually being said. 

Most people have their own thoughts and opinions, they pick out facts or aspects of a conversation that support their pre-existing beliefs, values or perceptions, and listen only for what they want to hear.

"Don't waste your time with explanations, people only hear what they want to hear."  Paulo Coelho