Is It My Turn to Talk…Yet?

Have you ever encountered people like this?

The kind who cut off your every turn to talk?

I wrote about this particular story years ago, but today it's the same old story, with these interrupters mutating into something even worse.

To be honest, it's not even that bad for me - it's worse for them. They are just destroying their own credibility. Even if I wanted to interrupt - to be the bad person for their own good - there's no way I could even edge in a single word.

I can only sit here and watch the slow-motion car crash as it happens.

I'm dealing with a jerk-level interrupter who doesn't just cut me off - they fight my facts with their own idiotic reasoning. It's that crazy feeling you get when someone tries to convince you an elephant is actually a mouse.

On top of that, they babble on with a distorted view of acceptable unacceptable behavior, acting as if it's totally fine - like saying it's okay to run red lights or even use your car to ram into someone else.

They're even angry that the country is trying to reduce corruption - and it's not even like they're getting a cut of the bribes! I'm sure they just heard someone else's crazy talk and are now regurgitating it just to look smart.

It was complete BS, but did I interrupt? No. I let them talk until my ears bled and I lost every ounce of respect I had for them.

Initially, I tried to reason with them - not to win a debate, but because I felt bad for them making such a fool of themselves.

Then they went on about how their parent is the best parent in the world because she never pressured them to study. To me, that's just irresponsible. If your child is failing everything and you don't follow up, you aren't being a good parent - but now I see that parent for who she really was.

It reminds me of the Kensington System in history. If you know anything about that system, you'll recognize the intention: giving a child a seemingly perfect upbringing that actually stunts them and prepares them to be a puppet.

It is also like those stories where a stepmother is strict and demanding with her own children yet spares and spoils her stepchildren - specifically to ensure they grow up to be stupid.

Not everyone has the pleasure of encountering a god-level, one-in-a-million case like this, but when it comes to the common, garden-variety interrupter - well, we all have to deal with those all the time.

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Is It My Turn to Talk…Yet?

Dealing with interrupters. These people may not realize the impact they have on others. They might not even be aware that they’re coming off as impolite.

You know how sometimes when we’re talking to someone, and they keep interrupting us? It’s super annoying, right?

There’s a well-known instance of a memorable interruption during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.

As Taylor Swift commenced her acceptance speech for Best Female Music Video, Kanye West rushed onto the stage, grabbed the microphone, and famously declared, I’mma let you finish, before asserting that Beyoncé deserved the award instead.

Swift’s surprise and disappointment were understandable. His behavior now serves as a cultural reference for the disruptive nature of interrupters.

Photo de Ocean Biggshott sur Unsplash

These people may not realize the impact they have on others. They might not even be aware that they’re coming off as impolite.

Perhaps they genuinely believe their ideas hold more significance than others’.

Whatever the underlying reason, having conversations with habitual interrupters can be really challenging.

While most interruptions don’t unfold as publicly or dramatically as the VMAs incident, they can still be exasperating.

It could be a coworker interjecting during a meeting or a friend consistently cutting short your stories. Continuous interruptions can be so frustrating.

Many habitual interrupters may not even realize their tendencies, or they might believe their interruptions are warranted.

The problem is, trying to address the issue politely can feel like a losing battle. The interruptions keep coming, and your frustration builds with each one.

A common tip suggests politely interrupting them back to express your desire to finish your thought.

You might say something like, I wasn’t finished talking yet, or I appreciate your input, but I’d like to complete my point.

This should be a direct and assertive approach that sends a clear message.

Anyone not stupid would get the message but anyone louder than us would definitely not hear that at all.

Maybe sarcasm would work better with certain people.

We’ll let them talk, talk all they want, if we have the time for that. Then by the time they finished, pretend to be innocently inquire:

So, is it my turn to talk…yet?

They might be a little stunned by the seemingly innocent question or they might not.

If they seem oblivious, let them prattle on forever while we look everywhere except at them. Check our phone, admire our manicure or fingers - counting people passing by or just stare at our shoes.

Don't forget to glance at your imaginary watch too. Of course, we wouldn't want to interrupt their captivating monologue by asking the actual time. That would be terribly rude!

Feign surprise after a long pause of silence after they are done talking.

Oh my! Dreadful of me, wasn't it? I didn't realize you'd graced us with the end of your profound thoughts.

A friend suggested simply turning around and walking away, which works well if you're not stuck with them, like in a carpool situation.

I know it’s not a nice thing to do but it happened to me countless times. I felt unheard and ignored or maybe I should get used to being interrupted or being talked over.

Sometimes I have to resort to... less-than-ideal tactics to get the point across. The most extreme example? The silent treatment. When my partner, who loves to interrupt, launches into a monologue, I simply let him talk.

Then, I would go home to talk to my cats. At least they listen without interrupting!

Anyone who's mastered the art of dealing with constant interrupters, please share your wisdom! I'm on the hunt for effective communication strategies, not a shouting match.

©Britt H.

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