Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

What's the best way to listen attentively to what your family has to say in all situations without becoming frustrated?

Profile: Jessietwina
Jessietwina on Jan 14, 2015
...read more
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.
Dealing with family stress?
Take the Free Wellness Quiz
Gain insight & track progress for anxiety & depression
Talk to a Licensed Therapist
Online chat & video therapy at your fingertips
Help keep 7 Cups free

Takes less than a minute. Keeps 7 Cups free for someone else.

A small contribution goes straight to keeping the community running.

Profile: littlebambi
littlebambi on Apr 8, 2015
...read more
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.
Profile: MendingByMuisc2
MendingByMuisc2 on May 1, 2015
...read more
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!
Profile: BlackButterfly98
BlackButterfly98 on May 9, 2015
...read more
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..
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on May 16, 2015
...read more
Spending time is most important thing. Having lunch or dinner, sharing and exchanging each others thought.
Profile: NeonRainBow92
NeonRainBow92 on May 22, 2015
...read more
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
Profile: BluSparkles
BluSparkles on Jun 30, 2015
...read more
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.
Profile: Patcares
Patcares on Sep 29, 2015
...read more
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)
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jan 4, 2016
...read more
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
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Apr 11, 2016
...read more
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.
Profile: KatieWhite
KatieWhite on Apr 19, 2016
...read more
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.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jun 13, 2016
...read more
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
Profile: RationalOak
RationalOak on Feb 27, 2017
...read more
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.
Profile: naturalWillow16
naturalWillow16 on Jul 18, 2017
...read more
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.
Profile: Megalicious
Megalicious on Sep 19, 2017
...read more
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.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jan 24, 2018
...read more
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.
Profile: SupportiveSockMonkey
SupportiveSockMonkey on Jun 4, 2018
...read more
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.
Profile: toughTiger6481
toughTiger6481 on Jun 14, 2018
...read more
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.
Share a Helpful Insight
Sharing helps others and its therapeutic for you.
0/150 Minimum Characters
0/75 Minimum Words