While hearing what other people have to say is one of the most interesting parts of life, some people prefer the sound of their own voice.
Of course, those who fall into that camp tend to be pretty obvious, not only because they never shut up, but because they do things that give away their reverence for their own thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Here are some of their most obnoxious behaviours.
1. They skip asking questions.
People who love talking about themselves don’t spend much time asking other people about their lives. They’re more interested in sharing their stories than hearing someone else’s. If they do ask a question, it’s often just a way to shift back to themselves. Conversations with them can feel a bit one-sided. It’s like there’s always a spotlight on their own experiences.
2. They jump in mid-sentence.
If someone constantly interrupts, it’s usually a sign they’re more focused on what they want to say. They’ll jump in as soon as there’s a small pause, making it tough for anyone else to get a full thought out. It gives the feeling that they’re not really listening, just waiting for their turn. It can make conversations feel rushed and a bit exhausting. Sometimes, people just need space to share their side, too.
3. They find ways to bring it back to them.
No matter the topic, they somehow manage to make it about themselves. Even if the conversation starts with someone else’s story, it always seems to circle back to their own experiences. It can make people feel like their stories don’t really matter. It’s hard to feel connected when the focus keeps shifting to one person. Conversations are just better when everyone gets a chance to share.
4. They end up talking the most in groups.
In group settings, they’re often the loudest voice, taking up more time than anyone else. Sometimes they don’t even realise they’re doing it, but they’ll fill the silence whenever it comes up. This can leave quieter people feeling overlooked or out of place. It can make group conversations feel less balanced. Giving everyone a chance to talk just makes things flow better.
5. They miss social cues.
They often don’t notice when people are giving off signals that it’s time to change the subject or let anyone else speak. If someone looks bored or distracted, they keep going anyway, too wrapped up in their story. It can make conversations feel awkward. Picking up on these little cues can make interactions more comfortable for everyone involved. Awareness helps keep things natural.
6. They tend to talk over people.
People who love talking don’t just interrupt—they’ll talk right over someone trying to speak. It can make the conversation feel like a race to get words in, which isn’t enjoyable for anyone. Talking over people makes it hard for anyone else to feel heard. It’s like they’re too focused on their own points to even notice other people trying to contribute. Just taking a beat to listen can go a long way.
7. They repeat the same stories.
If they’re really into their own stories, they’ll bring them up more than once, sometimes telling the same story in slightly different ways. It might be that they enjoy the reaction or just love the story, but for other people, it can feel repetitive. After a while, people might just tune out when they start talking. A little variety keeps conversations interesting. It’s nice to mix it up.
8. They jump in with advice no one asked for.
Some people have a habit of offering advice, even when no one’s looking for it. Instead of listening or letting someone vent, they’ll start explaining what they think you should do. While they might mean well, it can feel a bit pushy. Sometimes people just need to feel heard, not fixed. Listening first can feel way more supportive than giving unsolicited advice.
9. They don’t really listen.
For them, conversation is often more about sharing than connecting. They’re usually more focused on what they want to say next than on what the other person is sharing. This can make conversations feel one-sided, like they’re just talking at you rather than with you. Listening isn’t just polite; it makes the whole interaction feel more genuine. Real conversations involve two people, not just one speaker.
10. They don’t acknowledge what anyone else brings to the table.
If there’s an idea or success being discussed, they might highlight their role or forget to mention anyone else’s contributions. This can make people feel unappreciated or overlooked. Recognising other people’s efforts makes everyone feel valued. It just feels better when credit is shared. Relationships thrive on a little mutual appreciation.
11. They can turn everything into a story.
Sometimes, every topic becomes a chance to share a story, often with a bit of extra drama for effect. This habit can be entertaining at first, but after a while, it can feel like they’re performing instead of just chatting. Conversations feel more real when they’re not a performance. Sometimes it’s nice to just be yourself without all the theatrics.
12. They brush off other people’s ideas.
They might listen just long enough to respond, but rarely take other people’s ideas seriously. This can make people feel like their thoughts don’t matter, which makes the whole exchange feel lopsided. Validating what people say keeps things balanced and respectful. It’s all about making room for different perspectives. Dismissing other people’s points can put a wall between people.
13. They hardly pause for input.
They keep talking without stopping to let anyone else chime in. This can make conversations feel more like a monologue than a real exchange. A few pauses would let other people join in, making the conversation feel more balanced. People enjoy being part of a back-and-forth. Without those little pauses, it’s hard for anyone else to feel involved.
14. They don’t notice when people zone out.
Even if other people seem to check out, they often keep talking, absorbed in what they’re saying. They’re so focused on their story that they miss signs that it’s time to wrap up. Recognising when people start to disengage helps keep things comfortable. No one likes a forced conversation. A little awareness goes a long way.
