Write On, 2nd Edition: I Know You’re in the Middle of a Sentence, But I have Something Important to Say…

I just saw this Tuesday Meme from Tattoos and Teething Rings on The Mother Load Blog and thought it would be fun to join in!
I picked the following prompt:
Write about your worst personality trait or bad habit. Be honest; none of this “My worst habit is that I’m so kind to everyone…blah blah blah.” Time to fess up! (And, since you are aware of this bad habit or trait, is there a reason you haven’t changed?)


Erin at the Mother Load mentioned that interrupting is her vice and this rang so true for me! I call myself a “chronic interrupter,” although I am constantly “working on it.” To explain (read excuse) this inconsiderate, rude behavior, I often hard back to my childhood. The story goes something like this:


I grew up as the youngest of four girls raised to be independent and no wall flowers. Our vibrant family enjoyed family dinners, family nights, and family counsels together. An evening spent with us often involved a great deal of talking. Naturally, I wanted to join in, but often couldn’t get a word in edge-wise. I vividly remember raising my hand sometimes just go try to join in. Often, by the time they got to me, the conversation had moved on.


As I got older, this improved, of course. But it’s possible that it improved because I learned (developed the terrible habit) of inserting my thoughts in instead of waiting for my turn. During my teenage years, I’d tell myself that this was just the way teenage girls talked – fast and furious. It was okay to edge my way in, even if it meant that in a 4 way conversation, every other turn was mine!


I learned through some hard knocks and painful experiences that interrupters can be perceived as selfish and rude. Interrupters are not seen as good listeners or as very caring. You can seem awfully conceited if you are always trying to tell people what you think, how you feel, your experiences, and your ideas – on top of their own!


I sincerely do try to hold back this habit these days. If I get excited, nervous, or over-enthusiastic about something, I find myself interrupting with a vengeance! This can be especially bad on those shut-in SAHM mom days when you haven’t had adult company for hours or all day for that matter! Then verbal diarrhea hits and you are ready to play conversational tennis marathon style!


There are a few good cures for chronic interrupters that I try to add into my life. Unfortunately, they are not permanent and I am still known as a famous (or infamous) talker (and, amongst some, probably an obnoxious know-it-all). Here are a few:


1. Build friendships with reserved people. Often, those considered “shy” are wonderful friends with a lot to say. But, unlike us chatty interrupters, they need to build trust, don’t mind silence, and won’t talk constantly. Learn to sit in silence with them. They will teach you to converse at a slower pace and how to listen.


2. Build friendships with other conversational Olympians. I know that when I get together with my friend Heather, we can talk, talk, talk as fast as we want and insert our thoughts in constantly. Neither will be offended because we both get it. We absolutely care about what the other person is saying, but we enjoy the whirlwind.


3. Force yourself to sort through your thoughts before speaking. And, here comes the hard part. Try to make sure you keep a thought or two to yourself in every conversation. Just because it’s important/interesting to you does not mean it is necessary or appropriate right now. It’s okay not to share every “gem” every time!


4. Find an outlet like a blog or twitter where you can share your ideas, get on your soapbox, be an expert, and chat with like-minded folks. It’s made a huge difference for me.


Well, sorry to interrupt this post, but kids are clamoring for lunch and I hear the phone ringing!


Here’s the post to link up to if you want to participate!