Listening to people's life stories is tiring nyet meaningful and fulfilling...
By Kulit25
@Kulit25 (38)
June 16, 2008 9:57pm CST
My cousin whom i've not seen for 5 years because they already moved to another country came for a vacation.
Yesterday we had a chance to spend our time together from morning till afternon and was able to hear a lot of her experiences out there as well as other aspects of her life while staying there. I felt I had a great time just listening and I was amazed that i did not get tired of listening to her even if we have been together for the whole day.
Last night, i also went for our batches reunion party and unexpectedly had a chance to talk to this batchmate whom i'm not so close with. She shared some painful experiences she and her family is having presently. I was so shocked and feel sosorry for them.
For me it was such a privilege to be trusted and hear people's life stories however although i enjoy listening to them, i also felt so drained before the night ended. Listening is not just hearing the words but empathizing with the one speaking. I found my day tiring yet meaningful and fulfilling.
How about you? Do you feel the same?
5 responses
@leateagee (3667)
• China
21 Jun 08
Indeed you are right. Other people's stories can be meaningful and fulfilling. It is not very easy to trust people and just blurt out your inner feelings and family history. Very people too have the capacity to be a good listener and not be bored by the long listening moment.
I usually have a long talk with my best friend because we are always busy, so when ever we have the chance it is really a non-stop conversation as if we'll not see eaxch other again. I do have cousins too who are very close to and we share the same interests in life so when I get the chance to hang out with him, we exchange a lot of stories.
But I am not a person who would tell you the story of my life if I just met you at the party. It takes a while for you to let me share a piece of the history of my life. Take care =)
@Kulit25 (38)
•
21 Jun 08
Hi leateagee, thanks for sharing with me your experiences. Same here, i don't easily share my life story to anyone especially if i'm not sure if the person is trustworthy. Anyway, i'm just glad you have people close to you whom you're able to open up yourself with. God bless! :)
@Xdrowninghavocx (3117)
• United States
20 Jun 08
I see where you're coming from. I've had numerous conversations that ended with me wanting to just take a nap. And it wasn't because I was tired or the story wasn't boring, it was just overwhelming. It happens when someone puts a lot of energy in their storytelling. It's like a whole psychological effect happening to you without you really realizing it.
@spoiled311 (5500)
• Philippines
17 Jun 08
hi kulit!
well yeah, that is right. it can be draining, especially if the other person shares some deep personal struggle. personally, i really feel bad and sympathize when someone shares the need for money--as in need--like there's no food on the table, no milk for the baby, and such.
anyway, sometimes, i get to remember to say a prayer of protection before ministering, like asking God to cover me or shield me from getting hurt, yet at the same time be enabled to encourage and lift up the other person's spirit.
most of the time though i forget and act on my strength. that is when i get exhausted. because i have given of myself only and not drawn strength from God in order that i may share.
hope you can do that too, everytime you get a chance to share. :)
good day and God bless you!
@fifileigh (3615)
• United States
17 Jun 08
listening to other people's problems gives me a headache sometimes...that is one reason i didnt want to get into psychology and psychiatry.
@janiceancajas (227)
• Philippines
17 Jun 08
Listening to other life stories is fun, you have so much things to learn from them. You are not just listening to what they say but you also visualizing yourself being in their situation thats why it is also tiring specially when also ourselves has a concern to clarify. But it's a great feeling knowing that you made also a difference in other lives.
@Kulit25 (38)
•
17 Jun 08
Hi Janiceancajas, I agree that it's a great feeling knowing that we make a difference in other people's lives when we listen to them and try to help them. I always have fun learning from every person's life stories and appreciate each individual more. Thanks for your comment. God bless!:)
