How do you deal with incessant talkers?

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   vespawoolfposted 13 years ago

   How do you deal with incessant talkers?
   
   Soon I will be spending two weeks with a relative who is such a talker, she doesn't even take a breath or pause and no one else can participate in the "conversation". Any tips on surviving the two weeks?

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   TIMETRAVELER2posted 13 years ago

   Most people who have this problem are lonely, so when they have a chance to spew, they do it.  They don't realize they're doing it or that it turns people off.  Just realizing that this is the problem will help you to get through the visit.  You might also write her a note prior to the visit to tell her you've taken up some quiet activity such as reading, and so will want a certain amount of time each day to just be alone.  Maybe a daily quiet walk would help also.
   
   No matter what you do, feel sorry for her and be happy that you are not the one who is so alone in life.

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      vespawoolfposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Great suggestions. I'll remember what you said and be understand. The suggestion of seeking some alone time will help me to keep my sanity. : )

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   Cassie Smithposted 13 years ago

   Wow, that's hard. I'd spend a lot of time outdoors.   However, when I am in the room I wouldn't ignore her, some small talk is OK but drop a hint saying that you  have to be somewhere or be doing something in 30 minutes so that you can get out of there without being awkward.  That's what I would do.

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      vespawoolfposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Great suggestion! I'll try to set boundaries during the visit.

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   tapasrecipeposted 13 years ago

   My heart goes out to you, but I have no solution i´m afraid, we have a friend who comes to stay and talks constantly every waking hour until it is time for bed, my husband hides from her round the other side of the house or plans a big project for when she is coming. lol
   Carrie, best of luck

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      vespawoolfposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Oh no! Well at least I'm not the only one dealing with this. :  )

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   edmob1posted 13 years ago

   I have little problem with these people in general,somehow I am able to switch off and still think. The talkers hardest for me to deal with are the constant questioner who then answers their own question. The question engages my mind (interupts my thinking) then just as I am about answer they answer for themselves and move on to another question.
   In this company the with people I don't know I am able to be rude. With people I know more tact is needed and a unneeded trip to the toilet to contemplate an escape route is most welcome.

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      vespawoolfposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Funny but true! I may spend a lot of quality time in the bathroom.

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   Sue St. Clairposted 13 years ago

   Some of the ways I have learned to deal with incessant talkers. There are several approaches that can potentially work in dealing with this difficult group of people. read more

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   breathingposted 9 years ago

   Actually it varies from person to person. Yeah, indeed incessant talkers can make your time a complete disastrous one. You can become frustrated and get bored easily. I think the best way is to interrupt an incessant talker. How? Here are a few tips that can help you achieve your goal:
   
   1.    Try the interruption process periodically. Try to change the topic at times or tell your friend to stop so that you can talk. But try to do it in a polite manner so that your friend doesn’t get angry all of a sudden.
   
   2.    If you see that there is no sign of slowing down, just try to highlight that you are bored or irritated by bringing a gloomy or dull look into your face. This can make the talker slow down.
   
   3.    Never ever accuse your friend of being an incessant talker. This will only worsen the problem which you don’t want at all.
   
   4.    If you want to be a real good friend, tell the talker friend that you want to take a bit more part in the conversation. Otherwise you are not enjoying the talk at all. This might have a positive effect on your talker friend and you may get the chance to speak more during the conversation.

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