Listen more, Talk less

Sometimes, we say things because we think it will help ourselves. Sometimes we say things because we believe that what we have to say is important. Other times, it's more or less to hear ourselves talk (and ironically, I'm blogging. So which category do you believe this falls under? Hmm?). And other times still, we say things simply because they are in our mouths before we actually think about it.

Being verbose can be both a gift and a curse. Being verbose when nervous, angry, frustrated, etc, is most definitely a curse. Verbal diarrhea is quite common when I am nervous, I will freely admit. A verbal genius, I am not. But sometimes, we need to learn the art of listening and wire our jaw shut for a time. This is especially true during times of difficulty within a relationship; i.e. an argument with a friend or loved one. Perhaps if we sat back, shut our mouths and listened, we may understand our partner better? Or realize something we never did before about the other person.

The other day I had my own *aha!* moment. And because I managed to keep the verbal diarrhea at bay, I learned something I never knew about my own spouse with whom I've been with for almost 7 years. It was a complete "the more you know" moment, complete with internal music.