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Dear Ann Landers,
Have you noticed the way some people habitually steer every conversation back to themselves? It sounds something like this: Comeback Kid: "How was your birthday celebration?" Victim (she has seven seconds but doesn't know it): "Oh, I had a great day. Joe gave me an adorable puppy. He's just 6 weeks old. ... " Comeback Kid: "Fred did the same thing for me two years ago. And that puppy grew into the best and biggest dog we've ever had. We named him Brutus. He's so strong. And smart? You wouldn't believe what I've taught him. Just this morning, I was out looking for the paper ... " And on and on while Victim stands there, her unfinished sentence in shreds, along with her self-esteem. My suggested solution? Suddenly, look at your watch, mutter, "Ohmigosh, I'm late!" and run for the nearest exit. I'm sure those "Comeback Kids" are unaware of how rude they are. Maybe if you tell them, Ann, they will listen. Everyone who reads this knows someone who fits the description. -- Claremont, Calif.

Dear Claremont,
I can think of more than a few people who fit the description, but of course, they don't have a clue, and if they were told, they would not believe it. Your letter, however, just might do the trick. Listen to yourselves, readers. The next time someone tells you about an incident that you can relate to because you have experienced something similar, do you jump in with YOUR story? Or do you listen patiently and save your story for another time? If so, you've shown real class.



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A Note from Margo:
Hi! It's Margo here. I'd love to know what you think of the letters -- and the answers!

Also, any additional thoughts you might have. Thanks!

P.J.'s Comment
My sister is one of those people. On my last visit, she and I went out to supper at a nice restaurant. She told anyone who would listen (whether they wanted to hear it or not) about the first time she had she-crab soup. She does this all the time. I get so tired of her bragging about the places she has been that I could scream!

Rxn's Comment
There are way to many people minding and monitoring other people's business. Trying to control and changing other peoples’ business. Live your own life to the best and fullest and not somebody else’s life. Help when you can and back off the idea that your way is the only way. The world was here before you and will be, in some form, long after you are gone.

Maryann's Comment
WE have relatives who love to brag endlessly about their adult children's accomplishments. It would be fine if these comments were brief, but they go on, and on, and on. Another relative refers to these comments as "The Bob
 
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, whatever they needed I provided. What really hurt my son and I the most was the obituary - we were not mentioned at all. Our friends (mine and hers) were appalled. I was embarrassed and upset for not just me, but for my son-who loved her also. I never been so upset. Her x-husband put his wife and kids and their grandchildren in the obituary, who my girlfriend barely knew. They live an hour away from us. I know its silly to be mad over a little section of the newspaper, but it still hurts. Will time let this devastating loss of her and this article ever go away? I am so angry at this whole situation, its not like we can go and rewrite an obituary notice.

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"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."
-Ann Landers