A Monday question from a remarkably patient and courteous LW:
As one whose conversational style allows a pause of a few seconds after the other person has finished a thought (to ensure they are through) before I begin speaking, I sometimes find myself on the receiving end of uninterrupted yakking. This happens especially when their style allows for a shorter pause and assumes I have nothing to say if I don't say it immediately. It's usually fine, unless I don't have the time or inclination for a long talk. In these cases, is there a polite way to interrupt a long-winded person and excuse yourself from the conversation?
What do you think? Of course one can always raise a hand, apologize sincerely, excuse one's self, and get back to one's life. But how have you dealt with the longtalkers in your life? You know, the ones who really won't let you go?
Share advice, share stories. I'll share mine Friday.
The author is solely responsible for the content.
Welcome to Miss Conduct’s blog, a place where the popular Boston Globe Magazine columnist Robin Abrahams and her readers share etiquette tips, unravel social conundrums, and gossip about social behavior in pop culture and the news. Have a question of your own? Ask Robin using this form or by emailing her at firstname.lastname@example.org.