It's rude to eavesdrop on other's conversations.
John and Mindy are having a heated discussion in the house they share with Eric.
Eric wants to know what John and Mindy are talking about.
Eric enters their room and sits where they can see him and then listens to them talk.
Eric puts his ear to his door and opens it a bit to hear what they're saying.
Eric is likely to hear only nice comments and things he's supposed to hear and feel better too.
Eric may hear some unsavory comments and feel sad or anxious more.