One foundation of Wellness Psychology is believing that listening is loving. Some key aspects of developing a behavior and attitude pattern of listening to self and others include the following: 

• One skill is the ability to ask myself whether I can tell someone what they have just said.  Was I truly listening to the degree that I really heard the words, saw the non-verbal language, felt the voice inflections and deeper feelings, able to put aside my own thoughts and feelings while seeking understanding, etc.?
• Dr. Hughey's personal guideline for interacting with others:  I am here to assist you with whatever you need to do for yourself.
• We like people who care to listen to us.   Active listening takes energy and effort.  It is far more than not talking.
• Even though our society values the powers that come from speaking, giving the rare gift of listening hospitality to another is a rare and valuable way of conveying our love.
• Most people like to talk about themselves first, then about their opinions/beliefs followed by talking about other people and last on their preferences is talking about you.