How Do You Handle a Friend Who Constantly Interrup... - Page 8

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

I used to be that interrupting person. I've worked hard to stop and succeed most of the time.

When she interrupts, just ask her to let you finish first.

Be kind about it.

Rockycoast · ‎03-02-2016

Yes, do bring it to her attention. The next time she does this at brunch, reach across the table and touch her hand or arm and kindly say "friend"(insert name) please let me finish what I am saying. Please don't interrupt me.

She may not realize what she is doing so bringing it to her attention is ok to do.

Scooby Doo · ‎03-14-2010

@Desert Lily wrote:
@Effie54 Such horrible advice from a radio personality.

Would someone actually take a person who suffers from loneliness and ostracize them for talking out of turn?
Not even humane advice.

Everyone ends up alone in time.

Would everyone like to be treated with that advice?

I can't stand Dr. Laura. She spoke at a women's conference that I attended and I made my decision at that point.

Effie54 · ‎09-08-2010

@bells4me wrote:
Ignore her OR don't go to the brunch.

Yup, exactly! But when I said something similar; like don't invite her, I got a verbal beat down from everyone. Go figure. When a poster here asks for advice, they should know they will get different types of advice! Some people coddle, some don't.

AZfem · ‎04-13-2016

I would jyst say "I am speaking: please let me finish my thoughts". If everyone would do this, maybe she'd get the message.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@JeanLouiseFinch Are you the only one it bothers? Has anyone else mentioned saying something to her? If she is hurt or quits the group because you say something to her how will the others feel? Will they be angry with you?

Is it just time for you to quit the group in any case?

Just questions that come to mind.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@Sooner wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch Are you the only one it bothers? Has anyone else mentioned saying something to her? If she is hurt or quits the group because you say something to her how will the others feel? Will they be angry with you?

Is it just time for you to quit the group in any case?

Just questions that come to mind.

@Sooner It's a very small group, four of us to be exact unless a friend from out of town is visiting family that's still in the area. Three of us are regulars, the fourth comes when she can but she often has to care for her mom. So, it bothers the two of us. We have tried to ignore it but time and time again, the interrupter is obviously clueless. She may think she's engaged in the conversation and that's how it normally flows. Maybe that's how communication happens in her family? I know the other person in the group has the same opinion as me. I just doubt that she'd be the one to say anything. If I said something, she may not immediate rally to my side. She'd probably just sit there and wait for the awkwardness to pass. Then when the interrupter would go to the ladies room she'd say, "Oh, I'm glad you said something."

I really don't want to quit the group. This interruption thing is the only frustration. We have a good time otherwise.

lgfan · ‎10-19-2012

Maybe she is constantly interrupting because the group lunch get togethers is the only time she has to socialize with people. She probably has pent up conversation just ready to explode when she sees the group of girls. I would suggest meeting with her one on one and giving her your undivided attention. Just listen to her so the next time the group meets she might not be so antsy about talking so much.

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

Someone here mentioned that perhaps she doesn't want to forget what she's waiting to say.

I've done that ........ when someone is going on and on and on and not coming to an end 'point', I sometimes 'chime in'.

A good idea is to nicely say 'I'm not finished, let me get to my point' (or something similar).

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

KBEANS · ‎06-08-2020

My sister was doing this to me on Sunday...constantly.

I finally said, "Are you kidding me? You haven't let me finish a sentence; you keep interrupting me." She apologized and toId me she just has to get her thoughts out because she will forget what she wants to say."
Lame excuse that I have used myself, as I sometimes catch myself stepping over others conversations.

I've never been called out on it, and usually try to stop myself and put my hand over my mouth jokingly or I stop and say, "sorry, please continue; I got a good one to add when you're finished.
Your friend knows that she does this...for sure.

It is terribly rude, annoying and uncouth... of which I can be all, at times. 😆