We listen to what we want to hear. If what we’re being told doesn’t concur with our own thoughts, beliefs or how we see our lives, we shut off.

We listen to reply, because it would be rude for us not to, but we don’t listen enough for us to think or understand. Instead, we work off our own understanding. If we’re struggling, or it's something we want to hear, another person’s opinion is something we might use, but generally we may ignore what other people say and instead will form our own opinions.

As children, we listen, we learn that way. Reading between the lines and my intuition have allowed me to change and find different outcomes.

I didn’t close my mind, I found a different way to think that helped me learn and understand. It depends on our personality and whether we want to change. Some of us are receptive to other people’s opinions and some of us aren't, but that may also depend on the approach of the person handing out the advice.

If someone is dictatorial, you're going to listen less. On the whole, life becomes easier when you listen, primarily because you're opening your mind to new possibilities, which can help with personal, emotional and spiritual growth.

We should all want to listen attentively, rather than skim people's words, it shows we're interested. It allows us to embrace new thoughts and ideas and helps us learn about change in the process.