People moaning about health problems

[TheEdgyMember]

People seem to see my very serious health issues as an excuse to talk at length about their own health problems. I don’t talk much about my situation as I want a break from it. People are aware of some aspects of my deteriorating health as I’ve had to share some things and also some issues are obvious. I find it strange that some see this as a situation in which it’s ok to unload on me about their health struggles. Any thoughts?

My MIL is like this. I’ve been having problems with my skin, worse since January. She asked me how it was, then clearly didn’t listen to my brief answer and started going on about her own health. I think she only asks so she can steer the conversation round to herself.

People like to reciprocate during a conversation and possibly feel that referencing their own issues (which might be as serious to them as yours is to you) as a way of showing empathy. If you don't like it then probably better not to raise the subject at all.

💐 OP.

You know too many egoists. They’re exhausting.

Some people are very keen to make their health issues into their entire identity. I'm always wary of anyone whose Twitter bio is just a list of their health conditions.

Human nature. What you've learnt is that people want to talk about themselves.