The usefulness of speak (to others) The usefulness of listening (to himself) ..
Preferably the ratio is between 1/3
Listen to 3 times compared with the speech
...which is odd because strangers will just walk up to me and start telling me personal things about them. My husband just sighs and walks off and waits for me, now. I find out about people's spouses, children, grandchildren, and all sorts of things. I have no idea why people feel they can just tell me things. It happens all the time - from the grocery store to a park.
Not gossip at all. Just sharing stories of children/grandchildren. How old they are and how long they have been married. When their spouse died. Where they are from and how long they have lived in the area. Where their children live. Where their grandchildren go to college... Just plain old sharing. Random strangers.
"My husband just sighs and walks off and waits for me, now." I have to admit, I would do the same most of the time. If it was a common everyday thing. I hope I didn't offend with the Gossip bit.
Oh, no, I wasn't offended. I am not a gossiper at all. I don't mind that my husband strolls off to look at other things. It's all good. We aren't best friends after 26 years for nothing. ; )
LOL! I have never met anyone to whom this occurs - like myself. Recently, my daughter and I were grocery shopping and this elderly woman started talking to me about how old she is (she looked much younger), her 50+ year marriage, and all sorts of things. Another time I had a woman with triplets just stop and chat... I don't mind it at all. When I go shopping I just plan on not being in a hurry because I get stopped so much. I figure they must have a need to talk to someone. So, that's why I said I like to talk - but I think I can relate to people and listen to them, as well.
Preferably the ratio is between 1/3
Listen to 3 times compared with the speech
Active listening is very important.