Getting Him to Just Butt Out!

Honest E.,

What do I do about someone who keeps butting into my conversations?

Let's say I'm talking to a friend about something casual, or even important, and someone else (someone close to her, but not to me) butts in with a comment or their opinion right in the middle of the conversation. What do I do?

At first, I ignored him every time he did this, then I became more irritated because he kept on doing it. Then, I'd say stuff like "I'm talking right now." He'd get angry or swear at me! Again, what do I do? It seems like whenever I talk to someone, no matter who it is, he is listening and always has a comment of opinion to add. I just don't know what to do. Anytime I confront him, he either gets angry or plays dumb.

I am literally at my wits' end with this person!

--Annoyed.

Dear Annoyed,

Try talking to him again. People who are chronic interrupters are attention-seekers and only interrupt when they are afraid they aren't getting enough attention. Privately talk to him, only this time, state your case. Saying "I'm talking now" is blunt, a little rude, and embarrasses the interrupter, so he'll lash out at you. Tell him you respect his opinion, but when someone is already carrying on a conversation, the polite thing to do is to wait for an appropriate pause before sharing an idea.

Be polite and calm, but not condescending or accusatory. He will respect what you have to say and in the future, hopefully he'll take what you've said to heart. If he does interrupt again, quietly remind him about your previous discussion. Address this issue before it gets worse, and good luck!