Listening to understand.

Not listening to respond.
Not listening to defend.
Not listening to correct.

Listening to actually understand the other person’s experience.

What they felt.
What they meant.
What it was like for them.

Without rushing to explain your side,
defend your intent,
or reshape their experience into something easier to hear.

Just staying present long enough for it to fully land.

That’s how understanding and empathy are built.