I’m a talker. I’m less of a talker than I used to be. Maybe that’s because I talk to all of you now? But, I still have my IRL soapbox moments.
My worst quality? I’m a terrible listener.
I don’t mean to be selfish or inconsiderate. I really don’t.There are days when I have all these thoughts running through my head, and their screaming to get out. It’s all I can do to keep myself contained until I can share them with someone. Out loud.
What? Oh, I’m sorry were you saying something?
And, I’m also pretty positive that I have adult ADD.
Oh, you weren’t done. Sorry.
And, I’m also pretty positive that I have adult ADD.
Oh, you weren’t done. Sorry.
So yeah, like I was saying. About me…I have a bad habit of being a terrible listener. The more I try to focus, the less I hear. The more I start thinking about how I should respond. Because it is all about me, right?
I’m sorry, what? I was just noticing that person walking by. Did you see that jacket? Weird. Anyway. What were you saying? No, really. Go ahead. I’m listening.
No, I’m not. I’m thinking about what I will say after you say what you’re saying. If you don’t speak fast enough I will try to compete your sentences for you. Annoying? I know. I’m sorry.
Mama Kat got me thinkin’…
I have a friend. She’s wise, faithful, loving, and kind. She’s supportive, and she’s the best listener I’ve ever met. EVER. She listens without judgement and only shares her opinion if you beg her to. She’s not mousy by any means. She simply has a heart open to try and understand others. She has her opinions. And believe me, she’ll share ‘em when the time is right. But, she’s poised with a quiet spirit I admire and love, and she is without a doubt an introvert.So I naturally thought of her when I read prompt #5.
My friend is pretty awesome. I respect her as a mother and christian woman. She’s raised 4 lovely children who are the sweetest kids ever. She’s real and I just love her!
I’ve watched her observe others and it’s fascinating. Watching her I realize how much I miss by running my mouth all the time. If I would just sit back and listen every now and then I just might hear something interesting. You can learn a lot by being quiet. I’ve tried it. It’s pretty fun.
Almost as fun as running my mouth.
Almost as fun as running my mouth.
So, I got to thinking about what my friend has taught me about friendship… 1. Shut up sometimes. Your friends have stories too. 2. Every self-centered, talkative, ADD girl should have a quiet, introvert friend who won’t judge her for being a bad listener.
So shut up! And be a better friend. 
Inspired by Prompt #5: A lesson I’ve leaned about friendship from an introvert.
Somewhere along the way I picked up homeschooling two boys and blogging. When I'm not scrubbing toilets or answering endless questions, I'm usually here, over sharing it all! My writing is always honest, sometimes sarcastic, and never perfect. I hope to keep my kids from seeking adult therapy. I know. Pipe dreams...You can find me as @TheMommyMess on Twitter and on Facebook.
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Ha! We all need to follow that advise some more. I am rather shy IRL, but still find myself cutting my friends off on a regular basis.
Are you sure we're not sisters? Because when you described yourself, that is oh so totally me!
I need to stop and shut up too. Now you have me wondering if I have a quiet friend who listens to me?
I need to shut up more with my husband. My friends I am good with.
Yes a simple lesson I need to learn as well. In fact the reason I started blogging when I became a sahm I had so many things to say to my husband when I got home … now I can share my thoughts in bloggy world and keep the words to a minimum in the evening giving my Coffeemate a chance to say the few words that he needs to share
a latte of blessings & giggles,
Jeanie
I'm a pretty good listener, but sometimes I find myself doing the "guy" thing. Trying to give advice on how to FIX things. And lots of people don't want to hear that, they just want listening.
Love the advice!
Sometimes when I sit down to blog, all I can hear is Toby Keith singing "I Wanna Talk About Me"….but since I think I'm interesting, I figure it's okay to pour all that talking about me into my writing and then I can listen to my friends (hopefully they're talking about my latest post)!
I think everyone needs to listen to that advice now and then about shutting up. Because sometimes its worth it!
As a listener myself, I love having a talker around…
For an extravert (which I certainly am, according to every test I've ever taken) I'm pretty quiet. I love to listen to other people's stories – after all, I already know all the stuff that's happened to me, so I don't get so much out of telling people about it
That is a treasure! Wonderful gift to have.