Listening to others, really listening

There are two types of listeners.  They can be described in several different ways:

 

Those who listen, and those who really listen (properly)

Those who listen to themselves only, and those who listen to others

Those who love themselves, and those who love others

Those who wear you out, and those who build you up

Those who don't change much, and those who learn and grow and develop

Those who are selfish, and those who are selfless

 

In practice, we are all a bit of both types.  Some are more at one end of things than others but we all have room to improve.  I have three questions for you:

1. Can you see how all of these things relate to being a good listener, and loving your neighbour?


2. At which end of the spectrum do you want to be? (or, which is the more spiritual end?)


3. Is the amount that you really listen to God (properly) reflected in how you listen to others?