Ever been in the middle of saying something when suddenly someone cuts you off? It happens, right? But there's a special kind of interruption that can make you feel small – and it's not okay. It's when someone stops you from speaking not because they're excited or have something to add, but because they want to take over the conversation.
Let's look at why some people might interrupt when you're talking:
They think they have something helpful to say that adds to the conversation.
They're so excited and passionate that they can't help but jump into the chat.
They might feel like no one listens to them, so when they do get a chance to speak, they go for it. But this is often because they've felt ignored too many times themselves.
Sometimes, people don't trust that they'll get a chance to speak, so they interrupt to make sure their voice is heard.
They might not like what you're saying, and instead of waiting for their turn, they interrupt to make their point.
And here is the big one – they interrupt you to take over the conversation. This is a way some people try to show power and make you feel like you don't matter. It's a harmful kind of behavior.
This is the kind we want to chat about – the toxic kind.
Interruptions can be just a small hiccup in a friendly, lively chat. But we're not talking about those. We're talking about the harmful ones. These are the interruptions that leave you feeling small and like your words don't matter.
If someone keeps talking over you to make themselves the center of attention, to push down what you're saying, or to twist the conversation their way – that's not okay. It's a sign that they're not interested in a fair chat. They want to be the one who decides what's important, and they want to make you feel less confident.
We all grow up learning that it's polite to let people finish what they're saying. But people who interrupt because they want to control the conversation don't play fair. They might think it's fine for them to cut you off, but if you do the same, they’ll accuse you of being rude or disrespectful.
When certain people interrupt you a lot, it usually means they're up to something that's not fair or kind.
Here's what their interruptions could really be saying:
In every conversation, everyone deserves to be heard and respected. But if someone keeps interrupting you for these reasons, they're not giving you the space you deserve. Remember, your voice has value, and what you have to say matters. If you're dealing with someone who won't let you speak, it might be time to question whether those conversations (or the relationship) are healthy for you.
Even if you wait for a clear pause and then start speaking, a toxic person might snap that you're interrupting and hog the conversation even more. So you're left feeling like you've done something wrong when you were just trying to join in.
When someone says, "Don't interrupt me," just to put you down or make you feel small – that's a huge warning sign. An honest chat isn't one-sided. If they don’t care about your side of things, it's more about them attacking than sharing.
They hope you’ll just sit and listen to them, not saying a word. They want to be the boss of the talk and leave you no space.
They say these things because they want to hurt you, make you uncomfortable, and push their views on you. It's not about having a real exchange of ideas; it's about them unloading their stuff on you.
Being repeatedly interrupted by someone who doesn't want to hear your side can make you feel as if you've lost your voice. Remember, you never have to participate in a conversation that feels one-sided. It's a big warning sign if someone is trying to shut you down, and you have every right to walk away from that.
Interrupting them back or trying to argue usually isn't helpful and can lead to a bigger fight or meaner words. If you're in this spot, it's smart to find a reason to leave – you can pretend you got a phone call or even act like you're not feeling well if you need to.
You don't need to stay there and soak up the negative stuff, especially if it's pointed right at you.
Leaving is better than listening to someone who only wants to make you feel small.
Alternatively, if you want to stand up for yourself, here are a few tips:
If it happens once, you can try saying, "I'd like to finish what I was saying," in a polite yet firm way.
Talk to friends or others around; they might have noticed the same thing and can back you up.
If this happens a lot with someone, you have the right to walk away from that conversation or that relationship. You deserve to be heard.
Look for places where you can express yourself without being interrupted—like journaling, online forums, or supportive groups.
At Start Living Your Truth, we want to be the support you need when you're dealing with someone who keeps stopping you from expressing your thoughts and feelings. You don't have to handle this alone. If you're tired of being interrupted or feel like you're not being heard, it's time to reach out.
Life's too short to stay quiet in conversations where you feel belittled or ignored.
We understand how it feels to be silenced and to doubt if your thoughts are worth sharing—they are. Let us be the ones to listen without interruption. Contact us and gain the clarity and confidence you deserve.
Let's work together to make sure you're heard because you deserve respect, just like everyone else.
