Is Ignoring People and Their Comments a Good Thing?

I am surprised at how the responses here have already gone in a certain direction. How can we determine if someone's comments will be 'helpful and well-intended' or if they are simply 'sometimes' unless we actually engage and listen?

Consider this: If it was you commenting to one or ten people in a group, and they act as if you aren't even speaking or 'ignoring' you. Would you feel appreciated for doing a 'good thing'? If you aren't engaged with that person or involved in the conversation they are commenting about, moving away from the conversation makes sense, but to remain and ignore what they are saying is, in my eyes, rather rude and arrogant. It's making a judgment about their value or assuming you already know something without even hearing it.

I am not suggesting that you should listen to a monologue if you are pressed for time. However, in social settings such as a social event or a DMV waiting line, if you are sitting next to someone and they bring up a subject you're not interested in but they are passionate about, what possible harm is there in just listening for a few minutes? It shows consideration and basic respect. For some, being ignored can make them feel even more isolated and unimportant.

Ignoring Doesn't Necessarily Mean It's a Good Thing

There are very few reasons in which ignoring someone can be considered acceptable, let alone 'good'. Giving someone a few minutes of your attention can mean so much to them. It’s such a small thing but can have a tremendous impact on their feelings.

For example, I have experienced a situation where I was being ignored, which had a significant impact on my mental wellbeing. People who go through such experiences often feel shattered and become deeply doubtful of themselves. Continuous feelings of being ignored can weaken one’s ability to cope, leading to resilience and strength, but it's a heavy toll to pay.

When Ignoring Might Be Justified

Ignoring someone’s comments might seem cool to many, but I sincerely believe it is not appropriate. By ignoring a particular person’s comments or the individual themselves not engaging with you, you not only harm the relationship but also destroy the mental health of the person. Ask yourself: 'Does this person's comment hold any value for me or can I dismiss it without consequence?' Sometimes, the answer is yes, and there is no harm in not engaging. However, unless you are absolutely certain, it’s generally better to give the person a chance to be heard.

Conclusion

Ignoring people and their comments is not necessarily a good thing. Engaging and listening can have a positive impact on relationships and mental health. While there may be rare situations where ignoring is justified, it is often better to err on the side of giving people the benefit of the doubt. After all, taking a moment to listen can often mean the world to someone.

Would you like to share your experience on this topic?