cut you off? They ask you how you are doing, and as soon as they open their mouth, they change the subject. I think this is so rude. Then there are the people who, no matter what you say, will always switch the topic to talking about themselves. What's wrong with these people?
2006-10-27 03:06:42 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
My mother-in-law does this constantly, but I accept it as a feature of her adult ADHD (undiagnosed, but certainly what she has). I have just accepted that she won't listen to anyone, no matter what he or she says, and when she opens her mouth, what comes out will be a. gossip, b. complaints, c. scare tactics, d. a litany of dead relatives, along with a guilt trip for the ones who are still alive.
Some people are not wired in a way that allows them to communicate meaningfully with others. She doesn't exactly talk about herself, but she is absorbed with her own viewpoint of things. She is also very giving, however, as long as you acknowledge her generosity in a definite way. Some people are like this, and it can be frustrating, but it doesn't mean that person is completely self-absorbed, just unable to converse meaningfully and perhaps limited in interpersonal communications ability.
If you can reasonably distance yourself from this person, then do so. If not, accept that this is how the person is, and try not to get caught up in 'conversations' that aren't really conversations. If you're stuck with the person, treat it like a ritual, rather than a conversation and accept that you're not talking to someone who is listening to you.
2006-10-27 03:42:29 · answer #1 · answered by Black Dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two things here. First, usually when people ask how you're doing, it's a courtesy question, and not actually an indication that they care how you're doing. So be cognizant of that.
Second, when people always switch the topic back to themselves, it IS very annoying. I'm a fan of the "that's nice, I'll catch you later." If the person is that boorish, there are other people who are worth talking to. If enough people walk away from them enough times, they'll start to figure out that their behavior is unacceptable.
2006-10-27 10:17:38 · answer #2 · answered by mrmatt1476 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree! It is terribly annoying as well!
I try to be as polite as possible in most cases, ignore their rudeness and allow them to talk about themselves as much as they want. I do this because that type of person is usually a huge gossip and I don't particularly want to be their next "subject".
However, there are the chronic interrupters. So, whenever they ask a question of me....I ask them if they really want to know. When they respond with a "yes" (as they almost always do), I begin to answer. Invariably they interrupt.....that's when I say to them, "Oh, excuse me...I thought you really wanted to know." Makes them look like an @ss and I just walk away. Try it, it's great fun.
2006-10-27 10:25:11 · answer #3 · answered by Rembrandt11 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They're either self-absorbed or trying too hard to impress you. A guy that works at the gas station does that to me. I go to this same gas station for gas and coffee. He starts up a conversation and before I can say anything, he starts another conversation. He can go on and on. Last time I went, I just slowly walked backwards until I was out of the door. And guess what? He was still talking.
2006-10-29 17:07:35 · answer #4 · answered by Butterfly Princess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree ...though people asking how you are doing is like a common courtesy opener ..not meant to be open ended..
but the people who switch the conversation to themselves are boors...and you should respond with...."Just a second..did you feel that shift ..as the world started revolving around you"
2006-10-27 10:25:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
As soon as they change the subject I begin to ignore them immediately and I am as obvious as I can be that I am ignoring them. It usually causes them to find someone else to punish with their conversation...
2006-10-28 06:48:37 · answer #6 · answered by tntstroup 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sir, I think those friends of yours really annoying ones. They keep doing so because they are not interested with you, sir but more to themselves. I think it is much better if you ignore them and walk away.
I think it is best to do so before they further embarrass you, sir.
2006-10-27 10:27:57 · answer #7 · answered by Triplestars 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find new "friends". Yours don't like you. No offense, I'm sure you are witty and charming when talking about yourself.
a joke, a joke
2006-10-27 10:11:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
These people should be murdered.
If they behave this way, then try to avoid them at all cost.
2006-10-27 12:02:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are self-centered...if I was talking to someone like that I would just walk away the first time they did it
2006-10-27 10:16:29 · answer #10 · answered by ram_this911 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋