falling into a pattern of listening/responding without speaking/initiating

[belenen]

Comments

[flyingshaman]

I hear you. I so hear you. And I need to let this process before saying much more (in an email or in another comment).

[divinemiss_em]

When I was younger, I always thought there was something wrong with my voice because it seemed that when I spoke, no one heard me. Or that what I had to say was so crap and boring that it wasn´t even worth a response. I still haven´t gotten over that 100%. I find myself trying to hurry myself up and get to the "point" when i´m speaking to someone so that I don´t bore them too much. So on that level, even though it isn´t exactly the same, I can absolutely relate to this post.

I´m sorry you feel like that, though. Feeling validated in our communication with others is so important, I think. We don´t know each other, but I do know that you have lots of important things to say. Which is why i´m here, commenting on your journal :)

[willow_cabin]

Oh, I can empathize with this very much. *hugs* I have a lot of issues concerning talking, speaking up... My voice is quiet, and people often don't hear me, so over the years I have become so discouraged that in many situations I don't speak at all. I am more of a listener, too. Best wishes to you in your personal exploration of this!

[camilleyun]

I relate to this. My experiences are different though. Typically I tend to have a lot going on internally. I feel anxious and stressed out often. I am very expressive about this because that is one of the ways in which I cope. However, this does not mean I am incapable of listening actively, empathizing, and caring. I believe that many times people don't bother to share because they've already prejudged the situation without trying to communicate first

[saturnsdaughter]

I understand where you're coming from. I find it awkward to be the center of attention, even with just one other person, so I tend to be more comfortable listening then actually speaking. But then when I feel compelled to actually say something, I don't feel like I'm nearly as interesting in describing things as the other person and I get embarrassed. Embarrassment is a feeling I really hate so I find it that much harder to bring up a topic unless I'm really comfortable with someone.