Inktober Day 11: Wait to Hear the Answer

I spent the afternoon with a dear friend this week, and we sat on our back deck. I asked her how she was doing, then waited. Once she told me about her days, she asked me how I was, then waited. When I read these words from Ed Cunningham I knew why our friendship has lasted more than three decades:

I have been reminded to be thankful for my friends a lot recently, for many reasons. I have had great conversations and been able to discuss hard topics with them. They have shared their highs and lows, excitements and woes, and I could do the same. There is something amazing that happens when we have people who care about us and listen. Friends can be family, neighbors, coworkers or even strangers that have somehow become friends. However you find them, find them and keep them.

In this rushed and hurried world, take time to find friends, keep friends, and let them know how much they mean to you by listening. Stop talking about yourself and your life, and LISTEN to them talk about theirs. The greatest gift we can give someone is taking the time to listen to them talk about their lives. REALLY listen, ask good open ended questions, and just paying attention lets them know they are important. And eventually, like my dear friend did, they will return the favor and ask how you are doing…THAT is when it is your turn to talk…and they will wait to hear the answer.