Make Room for the Other Person

Listening is a practical way to care for the person in front of you. In your next conversation, make room for them to share rather than filling the space with your own thoughts or experiences.

When they ask you a question, consider asking a thoughtful question back—not to avoid answering, but to better understand what they need. Stay curious about what they are saying, and give them room to finish.

Let understanding be your aim. You do not have to make every conversation about what you know. Keep the other person at the center, and let your response grow out of what you hear.