// ilendyoumyear//

I suppose it’s really fitting. I’m a listener. You need someone to talk to, well then I lend you my ear.

Most of the talking on my end comes in a form of a question, one that is, more often than not, centered on you. Because I’m a terrible “talker,” as in, I can’t talk about myself. It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s simply because the complex thoughts in my head—or even the simplest of statements—don’t translate out well into spoken words. I try, and fail miserably. It’s word vomit, if you will. (Clean up on aisle three!)

But yes, I listen, with little to no commentary. Should I partake in the conversation, I sound like this: “Wow. Really? No way. She said what now?” It’s easier for me and it takes the pressure off us both. Why? Because saying these key phrases allow you to clarify and continue on with your talking and my listening. They’re verbal cues that not only indicate that I’m listening, but also interested in what you have to say. Don’t you like it when you know the person you’re talking to is actually hearing you?

Of course, a human can only listen for so long. Once you’re done with your elaborate story and digressing rant, when silence is dawning, will you bother to ask how my day is? “Fine” might be my go-to answer, but it’s the second question that signals your interest in anything other than yourself. I like those people. Do you?

I enjoy crazy coworker jokes, and the creepy Facebook stalker story, and the boy troubles you have, but when the duration of the conversation focuses on you without any acknowledge of your listener, it becomes a one-sided type of ordeal, don’t you think?

Because even though I’m talking about my topic, here being people who talk a lot about themselves, I’m attempting to segue into what you would do, what you think—something to get you talking, too. Just read the last line in the previous three paragraphs. Did you notice that?

It’s a conversation. Between more than one person. I LEND you my ear, not sell you it.

Although, I suppose it’s a different story when it’s written out on paper, as I’m an awful storyteller.