The Most Powerful Lesson I’ve Learned from {THE AND}

If there’s something important I’ve learned from watching {THE AND} for over a decade, it’s that listening is way more powerful than speaking.

Real listening. Deep listening. The kind that doesn’t rush in with a solution or a story of its own. The kind that isn’t waiting for its turn to talk. The kind that opens up space, instead of filling it.

Over the years, I’ve seen so many pairs sit across from each other, lovers, friends, exes, parents and children, even strangers, and say things they’ve never said out loud before. But what moves me the most isn’t always the words. It’s the pauses. The sighs. The stares. The moments when someone really lets themselves be seen… and the person across from them stays.

That’s what listening looks like. Staying. Not fixing. Not defending. Just being there. Soft eyes. Open posture. Quiet attention. Maybe tears. That’s what creates safety. That’s what creates change.

I’ve come to believe that most people already know what they need to say. What they’re looking for is someone who’s willing to hear it. And when that happens, when someone feels truly heard, it’s like something unlocks inside of them. They sit up straighter. They breathe deeper. Sometimes they cry. Sometimes they laugh. But always, they feel lighter.

And I do too.

{THE AND} has taught me that listening is not passive. It’s an offering. A gift. A radical act of presence in a world that moves too fast.

If you’ve never watched one of our videos before, I invite you to. Start anywhere. Let it play. And just listen. I’m sharing my personal favorites playlist here, so you can experience some of the most beautiful, raw, and intimate interactions ever shared on social media.

And if you’re feeling brave enough to try it yourself, our {THE AND} card games are a beautiful way to begin. Whether it’s with a partner, a parent, a friend, or even yourself, you might be surprised by what’s waiting to be heard.

Regina Zuniga
The Skin Deep Digital Content Specialist