Do I listen to understand, or just to respond?

I do both, if they ask for my opinion I give it no matter if they want to hear the truth or not

It depends on the conversation is all about. There are some questions one just need to respond straight away. But also we need to understand an advice given by a second party.

You understand before responding

I need to understand before I can respond.

Listening is a 2 way street… meaning y gotta listen to understand if you expect to be heard  =)