Sometimes people listen to our words to learn about our lives and interests, but at other times, they don't simply listen--instead they listen to judge, find fault, or compare. When your words are continually judged, you may decide that it's not worth sharing your thoughts with such judgmental people.
We also have to think about the way we listen ourselves. Do we listen to hear or do we listen to judge? Of course, it's natural to judge in some ways, but when we are overly judgmental, we will find that people don't want to share much with us. No one likes to be judged all the time--it's an uncomfortable, negative experience.
Our best friends engage in listening and sharing with us with openness, compassion, and care rather than judgment alone. That's a sign of a good relationship. Onward.
