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The Economic Times
The Economic Times
National
Shreya Biswas

Quote of the day by Carl Rogers: 'We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet...' - life lessons on impact of active listening on relationships and why feeling heard changes lives by pioneer of person-centered therapy

Quote of the day by Carl Rogers : Active listening is one of the most valuable yet overlooked skills in human relationships. Many people hear words, but few truly understand the emotions behind them. In daily life, conversations often become rushed, distracted, or focused on responding instead of understanding. People may interrupt, judge quickly, or think about what they want to say next while the other person is still speaking. This can leave others feeling unheard, misunderstood, or emotionally distant.

Actual listening requires patience, empathy, and presence. It means giving someone full attention without immediately trying to fix their problems or prove a point. In families, active listening builds trust and emotional closeness. In friendships and workplaces, it reduces conflict and strengthens communication. Sometimes, the simple act of listening carefully can comfort a person more than advice ever could. When people feel genuinely heard, they often feel respected, valued, and emotionally safe.

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