What do you do when someone won't stop talking???
By ChaJudLeoBit
@ChaJudLeoBit (1656)
United States
July 8, 2007 3:39am CST
For the past two nights, one of our guests has been down here at the front desk talking and talking and talking. Both nights, I've been busy on the computer. But he just keeps talking. He's recently out of the hospital so he's on heavy medication. He was in an accident and has no teeth now, and just getting used to talking without them. So he's mumbling and slurring his words and it's so hard to understand him. But he'll stand here for HOURS talking and talking. I don't wanna say anything, cuz he obviously needs someone to talk to. But I like MY time for a few hours before I have to set up breakfast. This is the time I use for readinng my Bible, getting my Avon books ready, or any other things I have to do. So I feel myself getting frustrated. He'll even start to leave, then think of something else that launches into another hour and a half subject. I don't want to be rude, but he can SEE that I'm trying to do something!!!!
I don't know if there is anything I can do, but do you feel me?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
8 Jul 07
Perhaps you can try being honest and just tell him straight that you need to get some work done. When you are finished with what you have to do, you will be glad to hear more of what he has to say.
Alternatively, you can just acknowledge what he has to say on and off. But don't acknowledge every sentence since that is only going to make him more excited - he is only going to think that you are genuinely interested and wants to listen even more. :P
2 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
8 Jul 07
I know, this is something you might feel. But if you think about it another way, he is being inconsiderate by robbing you of your time without permission. You are already being very nice by listening to you for so long.
Just "tell him off" nicely.. I am not suggesting you yell at him to shut up or something lol. :P
1 person likes this
@ChaJudLeoBit (1656)
• United States
12 Jul 07
Another good point. I actually start getting frustrated, then stressed out! I just keep saying "GO AWAY GO AWAY" in my head. I don't show any of this, but I don't know him and don't need to invest so much time in a relationship with someone I'll never see again.
1 person likes this
@ChaJudLeoBit (1656)
• United States
8 Jul 07
Yeah, sounds like a good suggestion. But then I feel that I'm being selfish and rude. I told him a few times last night that I needed to get back to what I was doing, but as he was leaving, he'd think of something else. I feel sorry for him, he's elderly and lonely, but I'm not a people person. That's why I chose this shift!
1 person likes this
@Nardz13 (5055)
• New Zealand
8 Jul 07
Hi there. Firstly if your at work and Im guessing you work in a hotel or some sort or a public sevice sector, you cant really do much, but to be honest and tell him exactly how you feel, at the same time talking maybe part of his healing process from his accident, maybe his doctors told him to talk alot to exercise his jaws, who knows. If your in the public service sector then this is a touchy one anyway, you could jeopardise your job, if you say the wrong thing... If reading your bible and doing what ever else it is your doing, then maybe you need to find a quiet place where nobody will annoy you... All the best ChaJudleobit...
2 people like this
@estherlou (5015)
• United States
8 Jul 07
It is really difficult, especially when you can see he probably just needs to talk to someone. The good thing is, he can't stay there forever...he has to leave sometime! This is a way to practice your patience and compassion! LOL
1 person likes this
@ChaJudLeoBit (1656)
• United States
12 Jul 07
Yes, I know. But 2 nights in a row?!?!?!
I know I'm over reacting. But that was last weekend, so I don't have to worry about it any longer. Thanks for your response
@ChaJudLeoBit (1656)
• United States
8 Jul 07
I don't wanna be rude. But I did start typing again and just nodded and say "uh-hu" every once in a while. He finally left. As he was going, he said something about a loud thump on the stairs. So I said "You better not fall down those stairs!" So he came back to tell me about how many times he's fallen recently, and the medication he's on. But I was typing, so he didn't stay long. I feel bad, but GO TO BED!!! IT's 4AM! If his medication is messing with him, he doesn't need to be hobbling up and down the stairs.
@ChaJudLeoBit (1656)
• United States
8 Jul 07
Well, it kinda worked... at least he left a few hours earlier than last night, but I feel bad. I don't wanna be rude.
