Why do some people insist on telling you their entire life story?

Question

You know the person I'm talking about, the one who tells you all about their relationship issues, their financial problems or their health problems and you met them like five minutes earlier AND you certainly did not ask them for any of this information !!

Why do some people do that and what do they expect you to say???

I just want to say that I'm not a mean spirited person, I just don't understand why a total stranger would want to spill their guts to another total stranger.

Answer 1

I get that alot too...I dont know how to interject and say sorry but I'm a little busy can I talk to you later...or just get up and walk away....

People tell me I'm a good listner but in reality...I just dont know how to shut them up....or be rude enough to just leave

Answer 2

I think that you would be surprised how many people have become isolated socially for whatever reason, from having kids to working too much or even something worse. A lot of people (especially moms with many kids) tend to be so desperate for "adult" conversation that they open their mouth and blah - there it is!

I figure that if you put it all out there, it never comes back to bite you in the ***. I don't think that they expect anything other than to vent to an anonymous person - someone that they will never see again!

Answer 3

I thnik it's about getting to know someone better, usually don't tell my life story after five minutes but if I think you would make a good friend I might make that gesture.
It's not so hard to give 15-20 min to someone else to make that person feel better. Now mind you if the person is just nutz than run away fast lol.
Oh Ya I was born in Hamilton and...... well ya know rofl

Answer 4

I have found that those type of people are very insecure (like the one who has always done something MORE or BETTER than something you have done). Or else, they are lonely and do not have anyone to talk to. I usually empathize with them and say I hope it works out for them. They may say they want advice, but they really don't - they just want to vent.

Answer 5

I know exactly how you fell. Ran up on a few myself,and believe me,it's hard to get away from them,without being rude. These people seem to thrive on misery,and who's best to to put it off on?. Someone who's trying to have a nice day. Just speak to them,and keep walking,tell them you have an appointment elsewhere,and leave them standing there,for the next victim.

Answer 6

Everyone wants to make sure that SOMEONE is paying attention to their life. When those we want or expect to do that refuse or fail to do that, we often consciously or subconsciously try to find someone to notice that we exist.

It can take up a lot of time, but some people are really just reaching out.

Answer 7

people are like that because they have no BOUNDARIES. just like the person who stands way too close to you when you're having a conversation. these people are dangerous and will latch onto you. the best way to handle the situation is to tell them you don't feel comfortable talking about such personal subjects with someone you don't know that well. that shows that you DO have boundaries.

Answer 8

Because thy're ignorant of the world around them, and they expect you to ask questions and say you feel bad or indicate that you're paying attention in some way- surprise, sympathy, etc. it doesn't matter they just expect that you actually listen indicating that you care.

Answer 9

Some people just need to be heard. Maybe they need to unload some of thier agony. It doesn't hurt to listen. You may even make a friend.

Answer 10

They're probably just lonely and don't get a whole lot of chances to talk because not many friends.