Listen Hear

Ive always considered myself a good listener. When ever I meet knew people and hear their stories of where they're from or an old family story, I instantly feel a deeper connection to that person. I feel that we have shared something intimate just between us, I feel I understand that person better and can empathize with them. Same thing goes with telling a story, if I have a good listener, someone who genuinely cares we will share if nothing more a moment in time. But I never really thought about what it is that makes listening such an intimate act. An act that care shows how much care and dedication is put into something. After reading these two articles, especially "Listening is an act of Love" I feel I understand why listening is an "act of love." Why listening can be an shared just between speaker and listener. I think its time, trust and a "human connection" You're willing to take time out of you day to stop everything and listen, just sit down and hear what the other person has to say. Maybe this is why relationships are based on listening? I know Ive gotten into arguments with my girlfriend about not listening. The other end is trust, trust that the other person will keep what you said confidential or you trust the person not to think anything of you etc.
But listening is also way to transfer history and knowledge. In "Listening is an act of Love" you are informed about historical events or about peoples lives, and the only way to truly connect with the speaker is to listen. Maybe that why spoken word stories are passed down from generation to generation. Listening is the main way humans interact and communicate with each other, the one way everyone is connected on some sort of level. I never realized what listening entails, but its more then just being quiet. You have to have interest, patience, respect, and a deeper human connection, an understanding. A way of sympathizing or empathizing with the speaker so they know you care about what they are saying. After reading these articles I feel much closer to the people I know knowing what it takes to listen and for them to listen back.