I recently saw a friend I hadn’t seen for awhile. It was a nice visit; she talked nonstop catching me up about everyone in her family, friends, family’s friends, medical info of each as well as her own, etc. It was nice to see her and to catch up.
After about 30 minutes or so, she asked what was happening in my world. I did have some kind of exciting news I thought she’d appreciate but then she interrupted me before I could complete my first sentence and then constantly interrupted with an unrelated story, as is her habit – long held.
The interesting thing is that in the past, she has admitted that she has a problem with interrupting because another friend had called her out on it and she has tried to quit doing it.
Clearly she hasn’t gotten a handle on that yet.
But that reminds me of the friends, who like me, are easily distracted
by the Blue Jays 
who feed just outside my window
or perhaps by one of the cats 
stopping for a drink just outside the glass door
or my 
little dog, Buddy, coming over for attention …
whatever… We laughingly call it Attention DISTRACTION Disorder – but then get back to our conversation, unfazed and enjoying our encounter. I mentioned a visit by one of those friends in my post “I Just Love This Carpe Diem Stuff”.
Then, there are other conversations where we’re all interrupting one another, because we’re all so enthusiastic about the subject and enjoying the encounter so much, we finish one another’s sentences out of sheer affirmation and agreement.
But what’s the difference? Why is one kind of interruption almost an insult and the other not? Things that make you go “hmmm”.
I had read some advice in the past, to “NOT try to pick up an interrupted conversation again, because people who interrupt with completely off-topic comments aren’t really interested in what you’re saying anyway – even though they say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry. What were you saying?’” When I’ve done that and just kept quiet, I’ve found it quite liberating – to just let it go.
It was really interesting to listen as my friend talked, but at the same time be apart and observing the encounter as well – and realize that it’s not hurtful or even frustrating any longer and to be aware that she probably really is not interested in what I’m doing or saying – and that’s OK!
I can now also, more appreciate the many friends who communicate in so many different ways – each of us communicating within the framework of our own personalities, quirks, interests and opinions.
Some who want to discuss spiritual issues, others who really enjoy debating and digging into an issue, some who like to discuss décor, or fashion, or art, or current events, and others who enjoy quiet, thoughtful conversations, exploring heartfelt issues or just visiting with casual conversation and a cup of tea and of course, those who just bring joy and fun into every conversation – all are enriching my life.
So, ‘Acceptance’ is the key, after all… with rich rewards.
I am so grateful to have become aware of and to be able to appreciate such diverse friends in my life and their diverse manners of conversation.
Writing this journal entry, I’ve realized that some people converse and some people just talk.
Let that awareness become a mirror 
in which to check myself.