Everyone likes to feel that others are sincerely listening to their ideas, fears, and concerns. Do you feel heard?
It is all too easy to imagine that you are invisible. At work, your boss might be oblivious to your ideas. At home, your partner is focused on their own needs. Friends don’t return calls or texts. You have so much to say, but it seems that no one is listening.
That feeling can be demoralizing. Why continue to make an effort if no one notices?
To avoid feeling this way, it is important that we feel heard. Whether it is in the office, at home, or from our elected leaders, having someone acknowledge you can make all the difference.
Of course, no one can have every idea be meaningful or important. There are, after all, other people, with their own motivations and thoughts and ideas. But having someone listen, really listen to you, can make you feel better even if nothing else results from it.
Are there areas of your life where you feel heard? Did you do anything to make that happen? Alternately, do you ever feel ignored or trivialized by someone important to you? How can you respond in a productive way?
Related questions: Who hears your voice? What is your voice? How can we become better listeners?