Listening

By Scott Reddoch

Now that I am non-verbal, my conversations are very different. Instead of talking, I spend about 99% of it listening and 1% responding. I have noticed things in a conversation that I’ve never noticed before. I have a clear picture of the person, their motives and goals.

People should really listen and not just hear.

All of that clarity however, does come at a cost. You witness a side of humanity that you probably don’t want to see. I have found some good parts and have been able to deepen relationships with a few. But I mostly get folks trying to pull one over on me. Here’s the hard part: I have to depend on others for almost everything.

I see many people looking for how they can benefit themselves. No consideration is being made for my well-being. I don’t call them out on it because I will probably need something from them in the future.

Just like that, I am in the ridiculous game.

How much is hiding in the nicety? What motives lie beneath the surface? How many times have I been the victim because I didn’t listen?