The document discusses the importance of good communication for maintaining relationships. It notes that relationships often break down due to a lack of listening. Listening is an important life skill, but one that is not often emphasized or taught. During teenage and young adult years, listening is especially important as that is when people explore their feelings and work through problems through conversations. The document then provides tips for becoming a better listener, such as focusing attention on the speaker, avoiding distractions, not interrupting, and actively listening through eye contact and body language.

1. GOOD COMMUNICATION FOR GOOD RELATIONSHIPS
Despite technology, one thing never changes – good communication is a key
ingredient to good relationships, Wolvin says, when relationships break
down, it´s usually because at least one person has stopped listening.
Listening is probably the most useful life skill we have, and yet the least
emphasized, says Melissa Beal, a member and past president of the
international Listening Association, in a phone interview, Dr Beal who also
serves as a professor of Communication Studies at the university of Northem
Lowa said, ¨We just expected people to listen, but we really don´t teach them
how to do it¨.
During our teens and early 20s, we are trying to find our place and role in this
world, Beal explains, Especially during these years, we find acceptance,
explore our feelings and work through problems through the course of our
conversations, So, if someone doesn´t listen to us very often, it´s easy to
assume they care, we´re less likely to spend time with them, and the
relationship suffers.
KEYS TO BETTER LISTENING
We can became better listeners by taking active steps during conversations,
Our listening should be visual, mental and emotional, She suggests these tips
to make our listening more effective:
Tune out physical distractions, like music, television or other people.
Pay full attention to the conversation instead of engaging in other task.
Focus your attention on the speaker- make eye contact- if the
conversation is in person.
Don´t interrupt while the other person is talking
Make sure you really hear what the other person is saying instead of
just thinking about what you´re going to say when he stops talking.
Listen actively- nod smile or show concern when appropriate.
Stay focused. Don´t let your mind wander.

2. It´s reassuring to find similar advice for good communication and
friendships in Bible, in James 1:19, we are advised to be ´´SWIFT TO
HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK.´´
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