Listening to someone when you think they’re wrong takes an incredible amount of self-control. But here’s the fascinating part—when I shut up, don’t interrupt, and actually listen, sometimes they’re right.

I’ve always struggled to let people finish their sentences, especially when I feel like I can save them the effort by ‘course-correcting’ mid-sentence. I used to excuse myself with a laugh, saying, “Oh, sorry, I’m an interrupter,” while flashing my charming smile.

But the truth is, its rude. I’ve learned to quietly let others be ‘wrong’ long enough to finish their point. My first big lesson in this came when I had to listen to my boss being wrong. I couldn’t interrupt him because, well, he was my boss. As I sat there thinking about how much more I knew than he did, I stayed quiet—long enough for him to deliver an award-winning point that proved he was right all along. He didn’t say a word, just gave me a look that said, “Yeah, I know I’m right. This is why you pause and listen.”

Since then, I’ve been practicing this in every conversation. Sometimes I nail it, and other times I fail epically. But I’ve learned it’s not my job to course-correct others. The least I can do is respectfully let them finish and truly listen, because often what I thought was wrong turns out to be right.

This practice is letting things be as they are, “live and let live”, and acknowledging that I can’t control people, places, or things. What I can control is my reaction: staying quiet, listening, and adopting an attitude of tolerance and acceptance.

So, instead of offering the “right” answers or solutions, try asking questions. You might be surprised what you learn when you let people finish their story.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube.

Visit me at ⁠⁠⁠recoverydailypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ or email me at ⁠rachel@recoverydailypodcast.com⁠.

#ActiveListening #LiveAndLetLive #CommunicationSkills #PracticingPatience #ListeningToLearn #ToleranceAndAcceptance #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness #LetThemFinish #LifeLessons