Listening

I met a friend's new partner, Julie*, a few weeks back and she was solidly drunk. That's not the point of the story, but I'm sure she would have been less forthcoming without the wine. This sweet, slurring lady had no sooner figured out who I was married to (my husband has the same stressful job as this lady) than she began quizzing me—"What's it like being married to him? How do you cope with listening to him when he gets home from work?" At first, I tried answering her briefly and laughingly—"Oh, he doesn't say much about his day anyway—his usual answer is 'Standard'." But Julie persisted. "No, seriously." She was all eyes. "Don't you find it draining, listening to him?" After awhile, I realised Julie was worried about her own need to discuss work, her own need to de-brief after a stressful day, and whether it was too much for her partner. So I told Julie that sometimes when my husband has a tough day and comes home wired and tired, he'll talk a bit about it and I'll listen. I'll give him a hug, make him food or tea. But I reassured Julie that my husband does the same for me if I have a rough day (rarely due to work these days), and I think that's normal in a relationship. I told her I don't think one person's bad day is something for the other to 'cope with', it's part and parcel of being supportive. She seemed unconvinced, and said she hates how she needs to talk about work, hates burdening her partner. The whole conversation struck me as odd. It made me realise that listening is often seen as a favour performed. And I feel this too sometimes—a profound gratitude if someone simply listens intently. Yet focussing on others when they speak, especially our friends and family, should be the most basic courtesy.I'm often guilty of drifting off during conversations. My son tells me all about his bike ride and how coming down this specific hill his speed reached blah-de-blah-de-blah and I tune out and realise I've missed a chance to connect. My mother calls me and tells me something about a neighbour and I switch off and start planning dinner in my head. But I want to do better. I know when someone listens well, I feel the gift of it all day, the pleasure of being heard, maybe even understood. And it is no small thing. After my talk with Julie, I am reminded to listen more closely. To pay attention. To give others that fundamental care.*not her real name. Obviously :)