I remember how it felt like when people stopped listening to when I was talking passionately about a book or a series that I loved, or the crazy dream I had, or a joke I thought was hilarious and was up laughing at midnight, or when I was describing a happy memory, or talking about my writing. But bc no one really listened, I stopped talking about books and movies altogether, or describing crazy dreams, or jokes bc it wasn't all too humorous, or stopped talking about happy memories bc ppl took more interest in the shocking or bad things that happened. I stopped writing altogether (until recently). I remember how sad and unwanted I felt. I felt like I needed constant validation, or else I was going to turn invisible.
But I had an idea to listen to ppl who are like me. Who get pushed down bc no one's listening. I asked them to keep going on, and smile and pay attention to what they say. Make enough eye contact, respond how I thought was appropriate and laugh along with them. I felt like I was some sort of hero or mythical creature on a mission. It made me happy when I made others happy, bc I knew how it felt to be sad.
Pay attention. You don't know how far it might go in someone's life.