Sgt4succsess SMACIN GRACEFULL TEAM The Importance of Listening in Relationships Couples often have difficulty in their relationships because they don't listen effectively. One or both partners may spend too much time talking and not enough time listening. ADVERTISEMENT It is important to express your feelings verbally, but it is equally important to listen. Couples also need to be able to listen effectively. ADVERTISEMENT What does it mean to listen effectively? Effective listening is listening completely and compassionately. People listen, but sometimes they only hear what they want to hear. This is referred to as selective hearing. People tone out what they don't want to hear. ADVERTISEMENT Couples need to listen to each other thoroughly. It is important to listen to the messages behind the words. People don't always say what they mean. Ther