The art of listening.

Sometimes I can't believe how important the art of listening is...or how rare. How many times have you met someone who, even after repeated shared conversations, never ever asks after you or your family or your children or your interests? These are the people, and believe me the entertainment industry is rife with them, who are happy to talk with you for hours, provided the conversation is centered about or around them. I've come to realize that there are really only two main qualities to look for in potential companions, friends or even tolerable acquaintances; a sense of humor and the ability to listen. The latter is particularly precious as listening implies caring. When someone sincerely listens to me and asks questions of me they are telling me that they are interested in what I have to say and perhaps more importantly that they are confident enough and happy enough in their own skins to share life's limelight. Always a portentous start for a relationship. Conversely, I am learning, if the conversation flows only one way it's best if it's a short one.