Listen Up!

Listening deeply is one of the best ways to strengthen your mixed faith relationship.

Here are a few simple strategies to improve your listening skills:

1. Listen to Understand

Focus on your persons words without thinking about what you should say next.

Pause before replying to absorb what was said.

2. Reflect What You Hear

Rephrase what your person said in your own words.

This helps clarify their message and shows you’re engaged.

3. Avoid Fixing

Before you jump into offering solutions, ask, “Do you want me to just listen or are you wanting me to help solve the problem?" Then let them guide the conversation.

4. Be Fully Present

Put your phone down, stop making dinner, make eye contact and give your person your undivided attention.

If needed, schedule time to talk when you can be fully focused.

5. Validate Their Feelings

Acknowledge their emotions, even if you don’t agree. “I see why this is tough for you” goes a long way.

6. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Encourage them to share more with questions like, “Can you tell me more about what you’re feeling?”

We can't change our people, but we can change how we show up in our interactions with them.

By improving how you listen, you create space for understanding and deeper connection. Try one of these strategies this week!