I can't HEAR you!
- Todd Johnson
- Oct 27, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Better Listening
Listening is a skill. For some, it feels like an art—but it is a skill nonetheless. We will demonstrate listening techniques in our videos to support your development, but first, let’s understand how humans actually communicate.
Everyone lies. Sometimes intentionally. Sometimes unintentionally. Sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically. People lie to protect themselves, to gain approval, or to avoid conflict. Because of this, we must learn to hear what’s actually being communicated—not just the words or tone.
The goal is to encourage truth. Clarity and sincerity produce accuracy. And real communication only works if you are sincere—otherwise, it all collapses like a house of cards.
The Elements of Communication
Pay attention to the full picture:
Tone of voice
Words used
Context of those words
Facial expressions
Body language
Eye contact (or lack of it)
Rate and pitch of speech
Beyond this, understanding someone’s personality profile, fears, trauma history, instincts, and behavioral patterns gives you deeper insight into what’s really being said.
How to Listen
Listen with calm focus. Maintain sincere eye contact. Don’t interrupt—but if someone dominates the conversation, find a natural pause and say:
"Let me jump in for a moment—is that okay?"
You may need to do this often, depending on the person.
As you listen, watch for signs of dishonesty or discomfort:
Avoiding eye contact
Looking down or side-to-side (recall) vs. upward (imagination)
Sudden changes in speech speed or pitch
Defensive reactions
Be careful—these signals can also indicate fear, insecurity, or past misunderstandings, not just dishonesty. Learn to discern the difference.
Encouraging Honesty
When someone gives you a genuine answer—especially to a difficult question—acknowledge it:
"I appreciate how honest you're being. It helps me feel closer to you."
Then reciprocate:
"I want to build trust, so I’ll share something from my experience…"
When you model sincerity, others tend to follow.
Build Trust Through Repetition
This is a simple, repeatable process:
Learn who they are (gather data over time)
Give the sincerity you want in return
Notice signs of dishonesty (without attacking)
Acknowledge and reward honesty
Encourage accountability with kindness
Repeat consistently. Over time, trust builds—and truth follows.
Build Connection Through These 7 Areas
Deep relationships grow through shared vulnerability:
Fears
Resentments
Secrets
Fantasies
Goals
Appreciation (love)
Physical intimacy (only in appropriate relationships)
As openness increases in these areas, so does connection, trust, and understanding.
The Reality of Miscommunication
Now imagine:
Two people. Different personalities. Past trauma. Different communication styles. Different fears. Possibly different genders with different emotional languages.
Misunderstandings are inevitable.
Small issues can escalate quickly—unless both people slow down and practice intentional communication.
Relationship Dynamics
She wants to be heard and supported
He wants appreciation for trying
She needs emotional safety
He needs freedom to make mistakes and correct them
She wants growth without judgment
He wants reassurance he won’t be abandoned
Underneath it all—they’re both afraid.
That’s where patience comes in.
Daily Inventory for Connection
To truly know your partner, share openly about:
Resentments
Fears
Sexual conduct
Goals
Fantasies
Secrets
Dreams
Daily thoughts/actions
Trauma history
Personality profile
Cross-share consistently. Learn each other deeply.
If you truly see and accept your partner as they are, you have something rare. If you don’t, it may not be the right fit—and that’s okay.
Growth Over Comfort
Loving someone doesn’t mean accepting unhealthy behavior. It means:
"I love you as you are—and I’m committed to becoming better for you."
That’s where real passion lives—not in gifts, but in growth.
Improve Through Awareness
Want honest feedback? Record a conflict conversation (with consent). Watch it back and ask:
How was my tone?
Did I interrupt?
Was I defensive?
Did I take responsibility?
Did I truly listen?
Then improve—together.
When You Mess Up
Use this simple repair process:
Let them be heard
Admit your mistake
Make it right
No defensiveness. No excuses. Just ownership.
Final Thought
Remove hidden resentment, and your heart becomes lighter. You become more patient, more open, and easier to connect with.
Commit to growth. Practice honesty. Stay consistent.
If only one person grows, eventually one will grow—and one will go.
Give your partner time—but be honest with yourself. Growth must be mutual.
One thing is certain:When you change, your relationship will change—either with that person, or without them.
Because ultimately, we attract reflections of who we are.
So grow.