Doesn't anyone listen anymore?Are we all so self absorbed, we don't have time for anyone else?

Question

Normally, I am the listener and I really take pride in being that way. Sometimes though, I would like to talk. Not necessarily about me, simply express my opinion or tell my story. When I talk to some people, the response I get is , "oh ya". "mmhm". They don't get involved with what I have to say. Sometimes they don't even acknowledge what I am saying. Perhaps sometimes I'm not interesting enough to listen to but it can't be every single time. How can we encourage people, particularly our children to listen to others and respect the fact that they aren't the only one who has something to say?

Answer 1

That's a real hard one for today's society. Everything is instant, fast pace. People don't have time for their own family's so we cant' expect them to have time to listen to us. Keep doing what your doing. Maybe if you listen long enough some of your manners will rub off onto someone else. The best way to teach our kids is by example. Sounds like your being a great example. Hats off to you. I hope people listen and learn from you.

Answer 2

I do not think that EVERYONE is self absorbed but the issue is everyone is not a GOOD listener. I have a problem finding someone that listens to me the way I listen to them. But in your case where they do not acknowledge what you are saying, you need to find someone else because they have absolutely no interest in you.

Answer 3

We belong to a self absorbed society. Self pity,self centeredness , self gratification are all things that all being sold to us everyday. Everybody is out to get theirs and they will step on you if you get in the way. Isn't that the reason we are in Iraq, really? It would seem it would be a violation of a person's "rights" if we were to outlaw SUV's that got less than 30mpg. It's ridiculous and it will end in the destruction of the earth if it doesn't change really soon if we aren't too late already.

Answer 4

i am sympathetic to your question. I feel ya, But some of us do, i have just spent several hours researching and answering alot of open questions in this category. Not because of my own beliefs, im undecided, but because this is the area that has always been and always will be, By our very existance we search for ourselves and our meaning, I care, you can ask me anything directly and i'll find some information and respond, Peace, Brach S

Answer 5

why doesn't anyone talk to me anymore?
it seems like i have to do ALL the talking or we just sit there in silence...
it gets uncomfortable.
well , here on YA you can actually get more points by talking (answering),
than by listening (asking requires listening),
maybe you are subconciously inviting others to express themselves just like like this question ...
i Had to answer somehow, right?
ok, i'm listening......

Answer 6

Talk about something that interests them. That is the trick!
If you talk about things of no interest to the listeners, you will lose your audience real fast.

Answer 7

at least u get a oh ya, hmm, some of my friends just look at me and then start about how their riding lessons went or which school they are going to go to or what they just bought, they are bragging about their lives, so what do i do? i turn my head in disinterest and busy myself in something else, treat others as they treat you.

Answer 8

i do that all the time yet there are times when i do listen. i also when people dont listen to me so im tring to listen more and talk less

Answer 9

I'm sorry I dont have time to answer your question

Answer 10

I am all about me me me !! and I still find time for my friends and family.....

: )