I really like to talk. I'm not a big fan of silence or awkward silence, so this might have something to do with it. But I also really like to tell stories. Stories about me, about food, about other people. For me, life is just so awesome that I have to tell people about it. However, too much talking is not always a good thing. For one, not everyone wants to hear what I have to say about how amazing my dinner was or how strenuous my run was. They probably don't care or are annoyed by the incessant speaking. But besides that, talking too much doesn't allow us to listen to what others have to say. Listening is crucial to understand the world and people around us, and we must learn how and why to do it.

Taking the time to listen allows us to hear what our peers are saying. People like to be heard. If we actually listen and comprehend what they say to us, we can create more thoughtful responses. With thoughtful responses, we show those who are telling us their ideas and feelings that we care about them.

Listening also helps us to hear things that may be useful in the future. So many times I find myself not paying attention in classes. It is not on purpose, I just find my mind wandering. I would probably learn and benefit from college education much more if I listened to every word of what my professors said. But it goes beyond classes as well. Those people who have more knowledge than us in our professions, field, or life, in general, have much to offer. We can save ourselves a lot of time, failure, and mishaps if we listen to those who came before us and made mistakes that we are bound to make.

Improving our listening skills is important, and it is not very difficult to do. It takes some patience and of course practice. Next time someone speaks to you really try to hear what they're saying. You never know what you might hear that could help you or the other parties involved.