Listening is like a buffet: take what you feel like eating, but don't take it all just because it's free.
Here are some tips on how to listen carefully to your partner through observation:
- Put your own concerns aside: When your partner talks, try to put aside your own concerns and concentrate fully on what he's saying. This will help you better understand his points of view and be there for him.
- Be kind: Show empathy and respect for your partner's feelings and needs. Listen without judging or criticizing.
- Ask questions : Ask your partner questions to find out more about their thoughts and feelings. This will help you better understand what he's trying to tell you, and develop your relationship.
- Pay attention to non-verbal cues: Pay attention to your partner's non-verbal signals, such as tone of voice, posture and facial expression. These signals can give you clues as to how he really feels.
- Repeat what you have understood: When your partner has finished speaking, repeat back what you understood of what he or she said. This will help you make sure you've understood and that you're on the same wavelength.
- Avoid interrupting it: let your partner finish speaking before answering. Interrupting your partner can make him or her feel that you're not really listening, and can lead to misunderstandings.
- Be patient: attentive listening can sometimes take time, especially if your partner has a lot to say or strong emotions. Be patient and let him talk at his own pace.
- Show compassion: Show compassion for your partner's emotions. Even if you can't quite understand what he's feeling, try to put yourself in his shoes and show compassion.
- Pay attention to your body: your body can send you important signals about how you're feeling and how stressed you are. If you feel tense or agitated while your partner is talking, take a deep breath and concentrate on your body to relax.
- Take notes: If your partner has a lot to say and you're having trouble keeping up, take notes to help you remember what's been said. This will help you better understand and remember the important points of the conversation.
In short, to listen attentively to your partner through observation, you need to be present, caring, curious, attentive to non-verbal cues and able to repeat what you've understood. By doing this, you can better understand your partner and develop your relationship.