[SeptemberMorn]

Listen carefully, give empathy and positive responses, assume responsibility for your own feelings ("I" statements), overlook the insults and focus on the complaint. State tentative opinions, not absolute certainties

From Dr. Clay's book, Psychological Self-Help

Communication is so very important if it's done respectfully by both side. If it isn't, then, it's not worth it.

[SeptemberMorn]

Yes, it sure is... and so many of us don't stop to think about it. Sometimes I wonder why the other person isn't getting what I'm say. Could be I'm not being "clear and concise"! Or... a certain someone in 3D is too busy making up arguments or excuses. Listening is just as much a part of communication as talking.

[ozzie]

Sometimes when we talk and aren't being understood, we need to say the same thing a different way. However, there are always some who don't want to understand and it wouldn't matter how many ways we tried to say something, they wouldn't get it. They may appear to be listening but aren't really trying to hear, much less trying to empathize.

Great thread about communication! I hope I wasn't too negative. It's been a battle today.

[SeptemberMorn]

There's two ways I go on that one... when someone doesn't want to hear or understand what you are saying... depends on who it is. I do find different ways to say things and always make sure I'm being very clear. If the person is worth it to me, I keep trying. If the person isn't that close to me and they really don't impact my life, then I just stop talking about that particular subject. Then there are those that you KNOW will never listen, so why bother!

If the person does matter, and they still don't listen, I try to get them to read things that prove my point. If they won't, THEN THE HECK WITH THEM! LOL My hubby included!