Is there a way to handle this situation without seeming like a jerk?

Question

Maybe I'm oversensitive, but this just really irks me to no end.

I'm having a conversation with one or more people...and someone walks over to where we are and just launches into their own monologue...completely changing the subject, and if I'm in mid-sentence I'm frustrated because I didn't get to say what I had to say...and same if I'm listening to someone else and don't get to hear what they were trying to say.

I currently deal with it by just, well, doing nothing...if I'm the one talking, I just stop and let the intruder do his/her thing. If someone else is talking, I just try to catch them later to hear what they had to say.

Maybe this shouldn't bother me, but it really does. I think it's so very rude and disrespectful. I'm curious to know if others feel the same about it and if so....is there a way to handle it with grace, or is it one of those things you just have to endure?

Answer 1

That bothers me too. I used to ignore it and let it go. I don't anymore.

Say " I'd like to hear what you have to say, after I'm finished speaking with this person first."

Answer 2

do it simple and straight forward look them in the eyes and tell them

"im sorry i dont want to seem rude but you interupted us can he/she finish then we'll listen to what you have to say."

if that doesnt do it then do what the swift kick in the balls guy siad and wackem!

Answer 3

People often don't know you had something more to say when they change the subject.  It's not their fault.  You can say 'Wait, I was going to say something about x*x'. Usually they'll say 'Oh, I'm sorry, go ahead.'

Answer 4

if it the same person or couple people who do this all the time, then maybe you should listen to what they say, but not really give them any positive feedback or any feedback really. when they are done just acknowledge they talked, a fake smile or nod, and then turn to your friends and say, "Now, what were you saying..." or you just do the same and say, "Oh, as I was saying..." you'll be right back on track to finish your conversation.

if you find a lot of people are doing it, then maybe you are just being overly sensitive. talk with your friends and see if they are feeling the same way you are.

take care. good luck. sd

Answer 5

The person who interrupts a conversation has to wait their turn and if they don't realize this.. you have to speak out and tell them... in a polite way.. excuse me.. do you mind waiting, we are just discussing something.. it's polite manners to wait your turn. then you can gladly tell us what you have on your mind.. Those people need to be told some just never learned obviously. Maybe they had to do that in their family otherwise they would get taken advantage of so they all shouted at the same time.. and the one who was too quiet lost out.. maybe they really need to be told in a polite way.. then they may possibly even apologize and realize that they were out of order and won't do it again.. you should try this..

Answer 6

~~That is a very rude person and yes it's very irritating. The nicest way I can think of to handle it is when they are finished interrupting, smile nicely and say to the person you were speaking to, well now as I was trying to say .............. It will be uncomfortable for a minute, but you need to stand your ground.~~

Answer 7

A swift kick in the balls should do the trick