I once heard a popular preacher say this: "The average person has three delusions: that he's a good driver, that he has a sense of humor, and that he's a good listener". Although what he said was intended to come across as funny, there was some inherent truth in what he said. You may succeed in your relationship with people without the first two, but you won't without the third.

Are you a good listener? Do you think what you have to say is more important than what's being said to you? When people talk, do they get the impression you're not listening? If so, write "LL" on a card, carry it with you and look at it regularly. It means LISTEN and LOOK at people while they are talking to you!

It's been said that we hear half of what's being said, listen to half of what we hear, understand half of that, believe half of that, and remember only half of that...get it? Basically we don't really pay attention much to what is being told us. You cannot connect with someone if they don't feel heard and understood. A deaf ear is the first symptom of a closed mind.

Good listening builds relationships and good listeners aren't born, it's a trait that must be developed. Listen without interrupting: Resist the temptation to jump in and finish the sentence or hijack the conversation. Rein yourself in---just listen. Listen to understand: Try to understand the speaker's point of view, feelings, thinking and needs. Validate the speaker: Accept their perceptions and feelings as valid expressions of a valued person.

One of the greatest expressions of love is a commitment to listen! Wives, listen to your husbands and mothers, listen to your children. You might be surprised at what you really hear!