6When you need to listen . Don ’ t get so focused on being heard that you forget to listen . Being a good listener requires patience , and practice . Strive to be fully present in each moment . When you ’ re engaged in a conversation , strive to listen to what the other person is saying , instead of waiting for your turn to speak . “ To hear , one must be silent .”
~ Ursula K . Le Guin
7When someone is gossiping . It is normal to feel intrigued when someone starts to gossip but it is also a very negative and hurtful thing to do . You put your integrity at risk and could harm everyone involved . By choosing to remain silent , you are shutting down you involvement in the rumor mill and are giving the other people involved a subtle cue that they should think twice about what they are sharing . Strive to be known as someone who doesn ’ t talk bad about others behind their back .8During an argument . If you are about to say something during an argument , ask yourself , is it true , is it necessary , is it kind ? If not ; don ’ t speak . |
“ Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute .” ~ Josh Billings |
9When someone else is speaking . Always be mindful that you have two ears and one mouth and use them in this proportion .10 When you want to complain . A lot of people confuse complaining as actually being helpful when in fact it often only makes the environment more negative .
11 When someone is grieving . No words can fully address the depth of someone ’ s sorrow or magically make them feel better . While your intentions may be to comfort the person , your words can often make the other person feel even more isolated and misunderstood . Sometimes the best thing you can do in these moments is to offer your comforting presence without the need for words .
12 When silence is golden . This is referring to moments in which you are seeing something that is truly beautiful or spectacular . Like viewing an amazing piece of art , landscape or achievement .
13 When you are in the process of negotiation . When negotiating , say what you would like to occur then close your mouth . Your silence shows that you are confident in what you ’ ve just said . The silence also allows the other person to reach their own conclusions which may lead to them to agreeing with your request .
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14 When you need a moment to gather your thoughts . Take a breath and a moment to think . You don ’ t have to always have an immediate response or answer . Think before you speak .
15 When your opinion doesn ’ t matter . Just because you have an opinion , it doesn ’ t mean you have to always share it .
16 When you ’ ve done a good deed . Let your good deeds go unannounced . Do not seek the praise of others . Be a good person who does good deeds without the need to speak of them .
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“ A fool is known by his speech ; and a wise man by silence .” ~ Pythagoras |
Photo by Ernie A . Stephens on Unsplash |