Losing the "self-talk"

Okay, so I had to read this really cheesy article about meeting people and getting to know them. And it made me cry.

"Self-talk" is what we do when we are "listening". Really, we are formulating a response/idea/comment that sounds good, and looking for an entry line. We judge what people are saying by how they are dressed, the words they are using, their status in comparison to ours. Get rid of the self-talk. It isn't difficult. I did it almost right away. All of a sudden, when you are REALLY listening, people are not only much more interesting, but you are a better person who immediately begins to grow. Relationships (ANY relationships) require work. Part of that is listening and learning. This is how people can stay friends forever, as every day they learn something new about each other. They see each other grow. Same for partners.

Simple, no? Genuine interest. Read Joseph Schaeffer. Wow.