I frequently encounter people who seem to take me as the perfect audience for stories of their trip to New York fifteen years ago, diatribes against vegetarian food, or tales of childhood trauma. Sometimes, my housemates have guests over who do this while I am clearly trying to cook, eat, or make my way past them to get to my room. Sometimes, it is a random person in a coffee shop.
How do I make it stop?
2007-04-04 00:55:08 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
JUST SAY JUST THE FACTS JACK, WHAT YOU MEEN, I GOT A MINUTE ONLY TO SPARE SO MASKE IRT QUICK.
2007-04-04 00:58:42 · answer #1 · answered by fddd s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know of two good ways to respond to this situation intelligently. I have been a victim of a long, boistrous talker once to many times, so I add a little sarcastic humor. Once I said, "Will I need a chair for the rest of this story?" and another person who has a reputation of talking long, I prefaced that they should "Keep it at 1000 words or less, please". They get the message without being insulted.
The way that I deal with someone who likes to whine and complain, is a scene that I stole from Seinfeld. After a few minutes, I look at my watch and open my arms saying, "Well, we're all out of time for this week. Do you want to make next week's appointment for the same time?" That makes you sound like a therapist, which makes them the patient. Tilt your head as if waiting for a response. Should give them the idea soon enough.
2007-04-04 10:10:50 · answer #2 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Whoopsie, look at the time. Gotta go. Or hey, cut to the chase already.
It sounds like they like you and are trying to be friendly by sharing something about themselves with you. It only takes ears to listen. If they are realy wasting your time then honestly tell them so and ask that they continue they story later. If you really don't want to make friends be more rude. If you are making a meal make them help, they weould likely be glad to do that.
You must be quite an attractive young woman.
2007-04-04 08:01:01 · answer #3 · answered by U-98 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh, I wish I could stop and listen, but I have a situation I have to take care of right away. Sorry!
I'm the long-winded one(!), and that's what people say to me. Thought you should know how they handle us folks.
2007-04-04 09:21:09 · answer #4 · answered by Roberta S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i guess i fall in da story tellin category, *sighs*...but, imma advise u to do the same thing people tell me, "make it quick, cuz im really busy" or, "get to the point" or if u do got time, and if the stories more like questions, and kinda serious, tell them, "look, im really busy now, do u think u can tell me another time?"...somethin like that should work. take it easy! g'luck...
2007-04-04 08:11:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You say, I'm sorry, but I am busy right now. I will be happy to talk to you later!!
2007-04-07 11:18:52 · answer #6 · answered by ilovepoison2820 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they want someone who would listen to them. i am sure there are times when u want others to hear u out.
2007-04-04 08:13:31 · answer #7 · answered by Miki 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"That is awesome, but I've got to get running. You have a marvelous day! bye!"
2007-04-04 07:58:47 · answer #8 · answered by flip33 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋