Ask Elizabeth: the Importance of Listening

Dear Elizabeth,

I have become the resident “listener” of my friends and family. When someone has a problem, they come to me. Most times I say little and just listen. Do you have any other suggestions that I can use to help my fellow feisty women?

Great Listener in Lebanon

Dear Great Listener in Lebanon,

What you are doing is perfect. You are just listening, providing a sounding board as your friends talk and work through their problems. Just be there for your fellow feisty women and just listen as they cry, vent, ask for advice, or just sit in silence. We should all have a friend just like you!