The Rules of People

RULE 91

People will listen if it’s in their interest

I know a couple who almost never argue or bicker. When they occasionally do, it’s always about the same thing – he says she doesn’t listen to him. This is quite true, she often doesn’t. And I know why. It’s because he repeats himself, so it’s boring to listen and she switches off. Ah, but why does he repeat himself? I can tell you that too. It’s because she never seems to be listening.

It takes two people co-operating for one of them to listen. Now, in the case above, I’d say it’s a 50/50 split as to who is responsible for the not listening. Sometimes you’ll find yourself up against someone who is contributing a lot more than 50 per cent of the problem. But it’s very rare that it comes entirely ...