How To Be a Bad Listener

From this book:

• Responding before someone finishes what they’re saying. Doing this shows complete disregard for what someone is trying to tell you. Wait until they express themselves completely before chiming in. “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” (Prov. 18:13)
• Thinking about what you are going to say or how you are going to respond rather than listening to what someone is saying to you. We have all had the experience of trying to tell someone something important and seeing their eyes glaze over as they are obviously thinking about what they are going to say instead of listening. Listen to what is being said to you, and then you will be in a better position to respond appropriately.
• Failing to give your full attention. You can often tell how important your words are to another person by his eye contact and body language. When your wife wants to talk to you, put the newspaper down and look into her eyes. Our wives can tell when we are paying attention and when we aren’t.