Everyone loves to talk. But what people like even more is to have someone to listen. Listening is such an easy skill, yet it is appreciated more than almost anything. Sometimes the speaker is looking for some help or insight, other times they just need to get something off of their chest. Regardless, their main objective is for someone else to understand and appreciate what they are thinking. It’s hard at times to bite our tongue and keep listening, but that’s what makes a good listener; thinking about what the speaker is saying, not what you are going to say. By concentrating on what you are going to say next, you could miss something from them, something insightful. This is the rewarding part of listening; not only can you help someone, but you can help yourself by learning something new. So if someone asks if you have time to listen, jump at the chance. You could help out both parties.
