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AIBU?

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Original poster

Friend interrupting when I am talking

86 replies

duckduckgooseduckagain · 01/11/2024 21:08

I meet up with a close friend every few months. We get on well but I am getting increasingly annoyed with her interrupting me when I am speaking. I will be halfway through saying something and she will suddenly notice something and say (for example) "oh look at that dog, it's so cute" Last time I was saying something serious about my mum dying and she just switched subject, pointing at a poster on a wall that showed a band we both like and saying their name in an excited voice. AIBU for letting this really annoy me? What would you do?

OP posts:
PivotPivotmakingmargaritas · 01/11/2024 21:33

Tell her

Jane I love you but your interrupting me again when I speak and it really upsets me, as it makes me feel you aren’t actually listening or care about me

Then you can gauge her reaction a good friend will feel bad if she shows indifference then you know to cool the friendship

Shhhthedogssleeping · 01/11/2024 21:31

My friend does it constantly. Doesn’t realise he’s doing it. I just say, can you let me finish, or, tell him he keeps interrupting. He also breaks off to do something else mid conversation if something pops into his head, like making a phone call . I just tell him to do it later as it’s not on to come round then carry on like my living room is an office! He’s good about it and will do his best to stop but he’s not made any long term progress over the years. I constantly have to point it out. It’s hard work but he’s got severe ADHD and it’s not deliberate.

AnnaDelvorkina · 01/11/2024 21:26

I am a massive interrupter, I often don’t notice that I am doing it. I ask my Friends to pull me up on it and I Try really hard to be conscious and not do it…but it still happens sometimes.

Tell your friend.

NoisyDenimShaker · 01/11/2024 21:24

I've spent way too much time with people who just talk right over me, cutting me off when I'm right in the middle of a word. I don't care what conditions they have or what excuses they give, or whether they can help it or not, I hate it and it's not quality socialising for me. I'd rather read a book alone than talk to someone who whiplashes right across what I'm saying as if it's nothing. I'd give them a wide berth.

WhereDoBrokenHeartsGo · 01/11/2024 21:23

My DH does this and has ADHD. It drives me mad but at least his interruptions are usually on topic. He hates that he does it so I try to be nice about it. So sorry she did it when you were discussing your mum, my darling mum died earlier this year and that would really upset me

Morven7 · 01/11/2024 21:18

It's annoying especially if you're talking about something important/serious. I know someone who will interject to show random phone photos mid conversation, the art of conversation is being lost 🤔

usernother · 01/11/2024 21:18

I have a friend who does this and I put up with it for so long then I tell her to shut up. It works until the next time I see her.

Rainbowdottie · 01/11/2024 21:16

I must admit I interrupt quite a lot. I really don't mean to and I did notice on a few occasions, a few years ago, I was terrible for doing it, especially with colleagues. It wasn't like totally changing the subject like your friend, look at that dog/poster/whatever....I think it was more I was keen to share my experience or opinion on their subject.

I am aware I do it and I try really really hard not to do it. Sorry no advice really 😣

feathermucker · 01/11/2024 21:15

Outtherelookingin · 01/11/2024 21:10

ADHD? I do this but its not intentional.

Me too. I try so hard not to, but can't help it sometimes

Vettrianofan · 01/11/2024 21:12

Oh dear, I do this to DH all the time. Its a terrible habit and also rude. Sorry OP about your mum😞

Outtherelookingin · 01/11/2024 21:10

ADHD? I do this but its not intentional.

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