Don't F#*king Interrupt Me!

from JoeUser Forums
Disclaimer: this is a rant. It is going to contain swear words. If you don’t like reading bad language, then stop reading now.

Do you want to know what gives me the shits? More than anything else? I do not like being rudely interrupted when I having a conversation with someone. Maybe I’m being a bit of a dick about this but it irritates me no end. It happens all the time in my workplace and it is getting to the point where I am going to say something to someone and I might just get in trouble doing so. The fact is, I’m not a big wig at work. I’m not even a middle wig. I’m just a lowly administration person. But I should be accorded the same polite respect as everyone else, as far as I’m concerned.

I’ve been in the middle of work-related conversations with my boss and had different people walk up, stand between her and I and begin talking over the top of me, like I simply don’t exist. I’ve had people knock on my desk while I am on the phone talking to someone, only to ask me a ridiculously unimportant question that could have waited until I’d finished my call. I’ve even been in the middle of conversations with workmates and had others completely cut me off and talk over the top of me while I was halfway through replying to a question. In all cases, those who have done this have been, in a hierarchical sense, senior to me. Their behaviour implies that becoming a manager or coordinator or senior arselicker means one can also forget their fucking manners. It is as though they think what they have to say is far more important than anything I might have to say.

I’m not a violent person. Heck, I have problems killing ants, cockroaches or spiders (I’m a catch and release type of person). This has a lot to do with my Buddhist beliefs but also because I believe every living thing is entitled to live its life. So what if it’s a cockroach who has come into my home. Its what ‘roaches do, it is in its nature to do this. Who am I to end its life because it followed its nature? But this is off-topic.

There have been times when my anger has risen so quickly, I do believe if I had the opportunity, I would choke the living crap out of one of these interrupters. I also think those I am talking to should take some responsibility as well and give the interrupters a serve. Maybe if people spent a little bit more time being polite and considerate towards each other, the world wouldn’t be in the fucking violent, dangerous mess it is in at the moment.

I am not going to take it anymore. The next person who does this, regardless of who it is, will bear the brunt of my anger. They better start praying to whatever god they believe in now…
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7,898 views 15 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
I know what you mean...though it doesn't happen very often to me, when it does I do get fairly pissed.

It's called waiting your turn, bitches!

~Zoo
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
It's called waiting your turn, bitches!


Damn right! I've also noticed the volume of the interuppter is directly disproportionate to the importance of what they have to say. What is it with these people? I mean, I am a tolerant, forgiving sort of person, but these dicks just get my blood boiling.
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
Not that this applies to your situation, but I also hate it when I'm at work and I need to ask someone a question about work and I wait patiently for the people to finish their conversation about NOTHING and they just keep on blab, blab, blabbing. If it's work related, fair deal, but when it's not I really hate waiting.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Momijiki,

Yeah, I do know and understand what you're talking about. I have no problems if someone asks if they can interrupt. I will bend over backwards to help anyone but particularly if they're polite and considerate. Ill manners just annoys the heck outta me.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top

I am guilty of interrupting people/talking over people during conversation.  It's a bad habit to break.  My entire family does this to such a degree when we are together my husband says it sounds like a barnyard....lots of crowing and screeching a couple of moos..all thrown in together.

While my family communicates this way, I realize everyone else doesn't, so I try to watch and keep myself from doing it.  And even apologize when I catch myself because I realize it is disrespectful.

This work issue is hard because you've let it build up and so the next person who does it...they are going to pay for everyone else's bad behavior.

Maybe a "excuse me, I was speaking" would work?  I think standing up for yourself in a controlled manner will show everyone eventually they can't talk all over you.

Good luck.

 

Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Or you could start with something like this

"Before I go postal on your ass, you need to stop interrupting people."


Or maybe you don't want to go that route.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
It happens at my office too Mark, I think it's an inherrent office thing! I've gotten so used to it that I don't even bother to let it bother me anymore. I think people are just so used to doing it, it's a natural part of the office behavior!

It is inexcusable of course, and unless what you have to say is majorly important, each person should wait their turn and not just interrupt whomever is speaking! Especially if you're talking to the boss, they sidle (slid) up and become involve in the conversation too or just stand there listening!



"Before I go postal on your ass, you need to stop interrupting people."


! Momijiki, thems fighting words!! But it definately get the message across!
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
It drives me nuts when people interrupt.  A polite excuse me or something is great.  But just talking, it just kindles my indignation.
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
Ah, the Wigs! A very influential political party last century (or was that the one before). I know what you are saying, and as long as they do not have direct authority over you, go for it. Otherwise - how is your resume?
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
I do sympathize with your plight Maso.

I have to admit, though, that, as a doctor, I am one of the worst offenders. I think someone did a study that on average a doctor will interrupt a patient with a question about 14 seconds into their story. I do try to fight the urge, and when I do I am often pleasantly surprised with useful information. Once in a while I'll get a patient that interrupts me while I'm answering their question, but really I am the worst offender. I could blame time pressure, but I'll just stand guilty as charged.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
Since I have you as a sweet and kind man I am going to go with you, just tell them, excuse me but can't you hear I am in the middle of a conservation? if that does not work try turning up the volume on your voice a couple notches to finish what you are saying. If they are not your boss, you could try "YOU interrupted me for that? and look at them like they are crazy" good luck maso.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
I see my e-mail attachment I sent you the other day was an appropriate one, Maso...   
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
Once in a while I'll get a patient that interrupts me while I'm answering their question


~raises hand~

I do this all the time if I think the Dr isn't answering the question I actually asked...or if I think they are telling me something that doesn't apply.

Yikes, not a good patient.
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
Tova,

I think standing up for yourself in a controlled manner will show everyone eventually they can't talk all over you


I only tolerate this behaviour at work. Any other time, I step up and let the interrupter know I was speaking. But I take your point. It seems like such a minor thing but it can really cloud my day. Maybe if I simply let the interrupter know, regardless of who they are OR think they are, they might just learn a little consideration and pass it on.

Momijiki,

Before I go postal on your ass, you need to stop interrupting people


Hey, it works for me but I just don't think it would impress some of the managers who are guilty of this behaviour. I would like to keep my job. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

Serenity,

It is inexcusable


Yes, it is.

each person should wait their turn and not just interrupt whomever is speaking


This is how I was brought up. I clearly remember being told "say please and thank you and don't interrupt anyone when they're speaking". Some would say this doesn't take into account windbags but a polite 'excuse me for interrupting' is much better than barging your way into someone else's conversation.

BlueDev,

A polite excuse me or something is great

 It is fantastic when it happens but I can't remember the last time someone did. It is sad to think so many people take themselves and what they have to say so bloody seriously. I just feel like yelling in their faces "Get a life, will ya".
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
Doc,

I know what you are saying, and as long as they do not have direct authority over you, go for it. Otherwise - how is your resume?


My problem is, particularly at work, I don't want to create any tension, particularly any directed at me. I spend enough time at work without making it difficult for myself. Having said this, I could say just about anything I liked and I would not be able to be sacked. Working for the government as I do, one has to try really hard before they'll fire you. To answer your question, though, my resume is in good shape.

Don,

I'll just stand guilty as charged


At least you're honest, mate. And maybe, having read this, you might remember next time not to interrupt someone. I think you might find people will respond to you better because of it too. But then, I do appreciate the job you have to do and the time constraints and all.

Elie,

just tell them, excuse me but can't you hear I am in the middle of a conservation


Yes, it seems to be the best way to go, doesn't it? You also mention the 'talk louder' than the interrupter method. In a work environment, particularly the cubicle life I spend 8 hours in, I am also very conscious of noise levels and not disturbing those around me. The 'talk louder' option can work in meetings but not so well in an open-plan office where one is trying to have a subdued conversation.

you could try "YOU interrupted me for that? and look at them like they are crazy" good luck maso.


I do like this one. I think I'll give it a go too. Thanks, mate.

Shovel,

I see my e-mail attachment I sent you the other day was an appropriate one, Maso...


Oh, yes, it did the trick indeed, particularly the 'what about the me-you bullshit'... Thanks again.