Communicating

I will not be getting any prizes for being good at communicating, just ask Ben..... or the kids.
Communication = conversation, talking, meaningful silents, sharing time together, eye contact, waiting, listening, pondering, considering, responding, engaged in the conversation, asking questions, answering questions, tone of voice, body language and facial expressions, and I am sure it includes even more than that. The piece that I am the worst at is listening and engaging.
Each time I realize I totally failed again I make a concerted effort to do better next time. The only thing is time after time I can't really see how I have changed.. blah
I think I am just too self centered.