Do people actually listen to each other anymore?

There are some that do and some that don’t. And both can be sporadic.

To test this, next time someone asks you “How are you?” respond by saying “Absolutely dreadful!” and then go on a long tirade about how awful you’ve been feeling lately.

I read most of it.

Some do and some do not. I think it depends on what a person seeks from a conversation.

I’m sorry what was that?

Listening is becoming rare .. hearing even moreso. But I hear you good Dr:)

I think people really do listen to others – not all people, but believe me, it happens.

I think we listen to each other here on Fluther.

I’ve got to admit I’m not a great listener. I guess that’s because I tend to be a bit precise when I speak so that the listening quickly understands exactly what I have to say.

Most people seem accustomed to just talking. Whatever idea, issue or point they’re trying to communicate is preceded by 10 minutes or more of…stuff…that has little, if anything, to do with whatever it is they’re trying to say.

Sorry…I don’t have the patience for that.

I don’t know that the amount of listening has really changed—people have been good at faking this for a long time, maybe the level of pretense is falling :)

I think the main challenge is being able to sit with a clear mind… to let ones’ own mental chatter die away so you can pay attention to someone else. When someone has that ability and exercises it, they listen. When they don’t have the ability, or don’t exercise it, they either fake listening or “go away”. But has the actual amount of listening decreased?

@HasntBeen: Keen observation.

People have lots of things in thier mind and due to the recession they would not like to listen to other people problems as they have thier own problems in life.

@HumourMe: Cute. :-)

@Dracool: Thanks! Good to see you over here…

What did you say? Can you repeat that question again? LOL

In all seriousness, I dont’ think they do, anymore. As HB said, a lot of people are, at best, pretending to listen. It’s possible to hear what someone is saying without really listening and comprehending. Most people are too busy reflecting on their own problems or planning what they are going to say next. True listening is rare.

Especially those dang doctors :)

I listeb to people all the time and sometimes have to lasso my mind before it gets away if its too long.

Judging by the amount of vehemence and disapproval of generally everything in society, I’d say we listen a little too much.

On the other hand, our aggressive nature probbaly means we only hear what we wanna hear…so prolly not?

@HasntBeen: Gee, thanks a bunch. :)

@Symbeline: I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. We hear quite a lot, but I’m not sure how much we actually listen.

Hello…..Hello…..is anybody there?