Dear Queenie,
I have a friend who talks all the time, I mean ALL the time. They never stop when we’re together or on the phone. Other than that they’re really a nice person, generous and helpful, but the constant babble gets on my nerves.
Queenie, what’s a polite way to get them to shut up for at least a few minutes?—Fed up friend
Dear Friend,
Maybe your friend feels insecure and talks to cover it up, or maybe silence makes your friend uncomfortable, or maybe they think you find their conversation entertaining.
You could try asking for a moment or two – and time it with a clock – of silent meditation or prayer, but I doubt there is any polite way to shut them up for very long.
When you are on the phone with them you could just put the phone down for a minute or two or three. They might not notice.
