Do you have to pay someone to listen to you?

Philippines
September 26, 2007 9:43pm CST
Am I wrong if I assume that most of us want to talk rather than listen? Well, most people I hang around with want to talk about themselves. They want people to listen to their happiness, bitterness, sadness, disappointments, success, failures and so on. Don't get me wrong, I love listening to their tales. But when there are times when it's me who wants to talk, they don't listen much. They don't seem to want to pay attention because they're thinking about what they're going to say or share next. I did something that made them listen to everything that I said. I invited some of my friends to lunch one Sunday morning. They were happy because I told them that I was going to treat them. I ordered their favorite food and drinks. Once we started eating, I slowly tried opening up to them. I was surprised because all of them got their eyes glued on me, nodded their head and commented about it. All throughout lunch time, I was the one who went on talking and they all listened. They never opened a single topic about themselves. Well, that worked out. Usually, when we have lunch or we do other activities, they're usually the ones who talk. Actually all of them talk that it all ends up with nobody listening. It's kind of funny when I look at them babbling about their life. But when I paid for their lunches, they shut up and listened to my stories. Do I feel bad about it? A little. It's like the only way to repay me for the treat is to force themselves to listen to me. What do you guys think? I hope you'll put some comment about this. Thanks... =)
2 people like this
5 responses
@lucy0713 (32)
• China
27 Sep 07
If the person you hang around with just want to express themselves and don't want to listen to you,I think they aren't your friends or only be comman friends.Actually if noboday wants to listen to you and when you want to say something,you can say to yourself.In front of a big mirro and looking yourself,you can begin to say what you want to express.Sometimes I do it.
• Philippines
27 Sep 07
Oh, and everyone will laugh at me. Hehehe... Perhaps, I'll get myself a diary. :)
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
27 Sep 07
If that's the case, then I think I don't need to find work since I always lend my ears to others!LoL I'm glad that I don't need to do that, since me and my friends can talk to anything and listen to what one has to say. I think this depends on the veracity of the topic, of how intriguing it was and if people can easily relate to it. As I have learned, not everyone knows of everything that comes out of our mouth. So most of the times, I prefer to listen instead of talking..
• Philippines
2 Oct 07
It's a fine thing when people pay you just to listen. But honestly, I can listen to people for free because I love listening to tales no, as long as they make sense.
@pendragon (3350)
• United States
28 Sep 07
I must be a walking earlobe, because I never ever get to talk.Sometimes I really want to, but I end up venting on paper or pixelating all my emotions.Glad you got the opportunity.
1 person likes this
@creationhub (3066)
• Malaysia
27 Sep 07
If people would pay for others to listen to them, I'd like to be the listener. Of oourse, have the snacks and tea ready as well. Just a joke. Now, I can understand why there are so many psycharists around. It is a great job having others pay you to listen to their problems.
• Philippines
2 Oct 07
If my friends only listen to me if I treat them, maybe I should do the same thing they want. How does that sound? Meanie? Hehe...
@nikkiwith (1074)
• Australia
27 Sep 07
Surely you must talk some of the time? Almost everyone prefers to talk about themselves, their opinions and their problems, as opposed to listening to someone else's problems and opinions. I am one of them, i love to have my say and i love it when people hear me or listened to me. But i will also listen to others, that is; if they're not babbling on about nothing!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
27 Sep 07
Sometimes, I think they'll get the message if I'll just write them a letter - expressing what I think and talking about my life. Or maybe I can just write a blog for everyone to see. People nowadays may not know how to listen - but they sure can read!
1 person likes this