I have a friend who started a second career as a professional genealogist and can go on for hours on what family tree she’s working on right now, what she’s discovered in her archival research, etc. I have actually drifted in and out of sleep during some of our phone conversations and she’s never known it.

Something that’s a problem to me is repeating endless the same complaint, option, etc. I understand sensitivity to feelings, but I use a “3-strikes, you’re out” tactic. When people express the same thing over and over, I let them do so 3 times. On the 4th, I say gently, “Yes, you mentioned that.” The next time, kindly: “You said that before.” If again, “You probably forgot telling me that a minute ago.” It ordinarily stops by then, but if not, I repeat as necessary.

Years ago I asked my boss why he crosses his fingers during a meeting. He said it was to mark his thoughts to share when I finish my thoughts. I have since used this technique to resist the urge to interrupt. My grandchildren now do this. With friends who interrupt, I raise my hand and say gently, “Give me a second to finish my thought…almost there.” One friend listens better once she has provided a (lengthy) update. Patience helps.