Women only hear properly when gossiping or eavesdropping

More than two thirds of women admitted that a gossip with friends is the only time they are properly listening to what is being said.

The same percentage think they hear most intently when they are trying to eavesdrop on an argument taking place nearby. Only half of men said they only hear properly when gossiping, while four in 10 admitted to listening closely to other people's conversations.

A poll of 2,000 people also found that more than one in five men reckon they always listen carefully to every word, and while less than one in five of women said the same.



Ladies are also most likely to switch off when listening to their work colleagues, with the average woman catching what they say just 64 per cent of the time.

Just two thirds of what their boss says gets picked up, while women admitted they only really hear 70 per cent of the conversations they have with their partner.

But when it comes to talking to their best friend, women give their full attention to more than three quarters of what is spoken.