Why Is It Difficult To Get Your Loved One to Listen To You?

In modern life in Singapore, relationships are often tested by the challenge of effective communication. Family members, friends, and loved ones may seem unreachable or unwilling to listen, especially when emotions run high or misunderstandings arise. Many wonder why it is so hard to connect deeply with someone close to them. The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom on this matter. It teaches us that true understanding comes when we focus on our duties with sincerity, ignoring superficial distractions. As Lord Krishna advises in the Bhagavad Gita, “Perform your obligatory duty, because action is indeed better than inaction” (Chapter 3, Verse 19). This reminder highlights that understanding begins when we look inward and do our best, rather than expecting others to change instantly.

The Modern Life and Communication Barriers

In today’s fast-paced Singaporean society, busy schedules, digital distractions, and stress create barriers to genuine listening.

Many individuals are overwhelmed with work, studies, and social media, making it difficult to give undivided attention to loved ones. Families often eat meals together but are lost in their phones, neglecting heartfelt conversations. The constant buzz of notifications, emails, and news fragments pulls focus away from the present moment, meaning people are physically close but mentally distant.

Recent surveys found that over 70% of Singaporeans admit they struggle to give their full attention during conversations. This leads to misunderstandings and feelings of emotional disconnect. When we are distracted, listening becomes superficial, and true empathy and understanding are lost.

Therefore, external distractions are a major reason why it is hard for loved ones to truly listen to each other today.

Children’s Emotional Needs and the Barriers to Listening

Children and young people often feel unheard because their emotional needs are overlooked in a busy world.

In Hindu classes for children, young minds are taught that listening is part of respecting elders and maintaining harmony. Yet, as they grow, many children feel their feelings and opinions aren’t valued. Parents, teachers, and even peers can unintentionally dismiss their words, believing they are too young or not important enough.

In Sunday classes for Hindu children, teachers stress the importance of patience and active listening. However, in household settings, children often find themselves silenced or ignored, which affects their confidence and sense of self-worth. When children do not feel listened to, they become withdrawn or act out, creating further barriers to communication.

This indicates that emotional neglect or dismissal reinforces the difficulty of listening, especially when carers or elders are preoccupied.

The Inner Struggle: The Ego and Its Role

One reason it is hard for loved ones to listen is the interference of ego—our sense of pride and self-importance.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna states, “The ego is the cause of delusion; it is the root of all discord” (Chapter 16, Verse 4). When we are overly proud or self-centred, we focus on our views instead of empathising with others. This ego blocks understanding and makes us less receptive to what others are trying to communicate.

In Singapore’s families, many find that disagreement escalates because each person insists others see things their way. When ego takes over, listening becomes a battle of pride rather than a chance for connection. This attitude creates emotional walls that prevent true dialogue.

Overcoming ego through humility and patience is essential if we want to understand and listen sincerely to our loved ones.

The Path to Better Connection

To improve understanding, we must focus on self-awareness, humility, and duty—principles taught in the Bhagavad Gita.

The Bhagavad Gita encourages us to perform our duties without attachment to success or failure. When we focus on doing our best in our relationships—listening actively without ego—we create harmony. In our Hindu classes for children teach young minds that true connection arises from sincerity and humility.

In our weekly Bhagavad Gita classes, students learn that when they listen with compassion and without judgement, their relationships deepen. In Singaporean families, practicing mindful listening—such as pausing before responding—can bridge gaps caused by busy lives.

By practising humility and sincerity, we can transform superficial interactions into meaningful conversations, fostering stronger bonds.

In conclusion, many people struggle to genuinely listen to their loved ones due to busy lives, distractions, and their own pride. However, insights from the Bhagavad Gita teach us that true understanding begins with humility, patience, and performing our duties sincerely. When we focus on mindful listening and self-awareness, we can bridge the gap of miscommunication and foster deeper bonds. By practising these timeless principles, we can turn everyday conversations into meaningful connections, making our relationships stronger and more fulfilling in the future.