What's the best way to listen attentively to what your family has to say in all situations without becoming frustrated?
18 Answers
Last Updated: 06/14/2018 at 2:57pm
Moderated by
Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy
Psychotherapist
I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.
Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
April 11th, 2016 1:58am
Per me, I'd say the best way is to just listen to them. Let them take their time and make their point. It may so happen their perspective won't concur with yours (and that's okay). In such a case, place your views before then too. Discussion, acceptance and sometimes, polite refusal - I think, that's the deal.
a trick I have used is to try to listen to them as if we just met. It cuts out the frustration of Knowing something does not add up. It also makes me think does this person know how they are portraying themselves. In some cases it makes me more empathetic to them as often they too are frustrated.
This can be difficult to do this especially if opinions collide however sometimes taking a deep breath and just trying to focus on what they are saying. Sometimes it is easier to leave a situation and come back if you are becoming frustrated. It is natural to become frustrated or stressed in these situations though.
Anonymous
January 24th, 2018 12:03am
The best way to listen attentively to what your family has to say in all situations without becoming frustrated is by actively listening in see how they feel about it and the stresses and if you get frustrated try removing yourself temporarily and calm down or fidget with something as you listen and help.
Listen, quickly try and understand what they are saying before you judge it. See if it makes sense. They must be saying it for some reason, so it has to be sensible in some small way even if it is against what you want. Then you can move from there, either accepting it or giving your side of the problem calmly and informed.
when listening to a family member, try to focus more on what they are saying, rather than placing judgement, interrupting, or planning your response. it also helps to ignore all urges you have to focus on things that are happening around you. asking questions to clarify what they are saying helps you to better understand their points.
Going in with an open mind, and looking at the problem at hand from multiple points of view. This can be difficult, but it will certainly help with the understanding.
Anonymous
June 13th, 2016 10:32pm
You can always tell you family how you feel and ask them to write it all down so you can read it and repsoned to it differently
Breathe. Then think of how they might feel and if what they are saying is valid. Don't think about defending rd yourself or getting a turn. Just try to listen.
Ask to be excused for a minute then come back when you have calmed down and if they don't let you then try counting to 5.
Anonymous
January 4th, 2016 2:25am
You have to remember that listening and agreeing are two different things. When my mother talks to me and I disagree, I try to remember to respect her opinion, and when she is done speaking, offer my own politely. If you get frustrated they are less likely to respect what you have to say
If I have to just listen attentively to what someone has to say, regardless if is family or not, without the possibility of engaging into a conversation where my ideas, thoughts and feelings are taking into account, I will become frustrated every time, I am a human and I matter. So to avoid frustration try to engage in conversations, you matter too have a voice ( respecting and loving voice)
You sit back and fully listen and ask yourself that if I were in his position what would I want. Would I want someone to interrupt or get mad at me while I'm talking? if not, you listen.
Take a deep breath and say "okay, I understand". As hard as it might be, they are only trying to help, I use to be like that, got frustrated with my parents all the time, then I just sit back and listen without getting mad
Anonymous
May 16th, 2015 5:39pm
Spending time is most important thing. Having lunch or dinner, sharing and exchanging each others thought.
Guess the best way is to keep repeating to yourself that they only want the best for you. Even though most of us think that they don't get what we go through, they have been through the age we are at right now and even though they have a hard time showing it, they sort of do get it. So yeah, guess you just have to listen with the thought that they understand and that they are just trying to help..
For me, I sit quietly and truly look for the the meaning behind their words. Understand that they mean well, they are, after all, you're family, and even if the stress you out, they only want to help. Let them speak their piece before you respond to them. This opens up some healthy communication!
Be calm and know that what they say might upset you. The more calm and open you are the more likely they'll be the same. Before getting angry push yourself to consider what they're saying and think about it objectively before emotionally.
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