In 5 Steps: How to Really Listen, and make the other person Feel Listened To

1. Give them your uninterrupted, undivided attention. Nod often or give encouraging murmurs of yes, I see, uh huh.

2. Be sincere. You don't have to solve their problem or make them feel better. Just be there, and be concerned. Ask open-ended questions such as 'How does that make you feel?' instead of 'So you felt bad?'

3. Don't make judgments or conclusions. Instead, paraphrase what they've said to check wether you've understood them. Check in especially about their feelings. Listen to their heart. It's the underlying feelings, not the words, that matter most.