Do you have friends/family who talk but don't listen? How do you deal with them?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (220108)
Walnut Creek, California
January 21, 2018 12:21pm CST
I was engaged in a Facebook "conversation" this morning with someone I've known since 4th grade. Her personality hasn't changed much in close to half a Century. She talks of her woes, of how busy she is, of how successful her (in College) daughter is, but never asks about me or what I'm doing.
If I put out a hook to ask about me ("we had a gig last night"; "my lower back still hurts"; "I feel more relaxed since I left my afternoon job"), she doesn't bite.
I have some friends here in California who are similar. Sometimes, as they're talking away on the phone, I'll start thinking about how many minutes I spent talking, versus how many minutes they spent talking, in a 20 minute conversation. It's often something like 18 to 2.
Don't worry. Most of my friends and family are not like this. But, having just been involved in such a "conversation," I thought I'd write about it, perhaps to vent a bit.
Do you have people in your life who are like this? Do you ever "give them a taste of their own medicine" and start talking non-stop about yourself, just to bait them? I rarely do, but I have now and then. It doesn't really work. I'll attach one of my favorite CSN songs. It becomes an ear-worm whenever I think about this subject. I hope you enjoy it. It's beautiful.
16 people like this
17 responses
@wongchoiyee (7413)
• Malaysia
22 Jan 18
Yeah, hate it. It always happen when I meet my former school mates. Never appreciate what other people's thoughts.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
22 Jan 18
My sister @TheHorse . I'm surprised I have any hair left on my head. Our Sunday 'talks' are about 4 hours. Because she refuses to wear her hearing aid, I can't get a word in edge-wise. IF I can, I'm apparently a know-it-all.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
23 Jan 18
@TheHorse Yup, I have and her response is, "It's all your fault. "
@Courtlynn (67081)
• United States
22 Jan 18
I think we all have at least one of those. Mine is my "friend", who used to be my bestfriend. It's part of why we aren't so close anymore, as I got fed up with it.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (220108)
• Walnut Creek, California
22 Jan 18
@Courtlynn There are many who are planning their response before you finish, meaning they haven't even gotten your point. Sigh.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67081)
• United States
22 Jan 18
@TheHorse yeah, I hate those who don't.
1 person likes this
@misunderstood_zombie (8142)
• United States
22 Jan 18
I don't like to be around people like that too much, and sadly I try to avoid them.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (220108)
• Walnut Creek, California
22 Jan 18
@misunderstood_zombie Yep. Or band mates.
1 person likes this
@misunderstood_zombie (8142)
• United States
22 Jan 18
@TheHorse This is true, especially if they are family or coworkers.
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
22 Jan 18
i usually just don't.my mom in particular will get on non stop talking jags about nothing and i just can't stand listening to it.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (117133)
• Anniston, Alabama
21 Jan 18
Yes! I have often found out they suffer from some sort of mental impairment, for instance my sister is bi-polar and its always all about her.
The elderly ladies that rent from me are slightly mentally retarded, its always about them. Once Tony said "I am sick we are not going to do.. whatever" They added more to the list they insisted on doing. I just took them home and they showed their rumps.
So yes I am the one who listens while everyone talks.
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
23 Jan 18
I know people like that and it's too exhausting to try and pay them back in their own coin...they DON"T listen.So I just invent an emergency and hurry my departure. If this doesn't work I just grunt in appropriate place and watch my favorite movie or read something online. Sad, but it is a survival skill.
1 person likes this
@tlynnett (12)
• Acme, Michigan
22 Jan 18
Hi. I do have family like that who only want to speak about what is going on in her life .
She is not interested in my life nor my family nor how my life is going.
@irishidid (8687)
• United States
22 Jan 18
I've always been a listener and have found once someone realizes it, they expect you to do nothing but listen.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55904)
• Los Angeles, California
24 Jan 18
I am glad I don't have family members like this, but oh I know plenty of friends and acquaintances who have that annoying me-ism. And silly me was the fool who used to listen to it all . . . but not so much anymore. This is the reason why I don't pick up the phone very often .
@JudyEv (341752)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Jan 18
I know a few like this. I find them hard work as I'm not one to interrupt so without meaning to I find I switch off and start thinking about something else. This can be a bit embarrassing sometimes.I'm editing this to add: When I write I think I'm all 'me, me, me' because I don't want to appear nosy by asking too many questions. But I do try to ask after them or their hobbies, etc without being intrusive.
1 person likes this