Dealing with someone who only talks about themselves can be challenging, and it's essential to find a balance between being polite and assertive in your interactions. Here are some strategies you can consider:
Active Listening and Show Interest: When the person starts talking about themselves, try to actively listen and show genuine interest in what they are saying. Ask open-ended questions about their experiences or opinions, which can encourage them to talk about other topics beyond themselves.
Steer the Conversation: Politely steer the conversation to other subjects or areas of mutual interest. Share your experiences or thoughts and find common ground to engage in a more balanced exchange.
Set Boundaries: If you find the conversation becoming one-sided and you want to talk about something else or have a chance to share, kindly let the person know. Use "I" statements to express your needs, like, "I'd love to talk about [topic] too if you don't mind."
Bring Others into the Conversation: If you're in a group setting, involve others in the conversation to create a more inclusive and dynamic discussion. This can help prevent the person from dominating the entire interaction.
Politely Excuse Yourself: If the conversation remains one-sided despite your attempts to redirect it, you can politely excuse yourself from the conversation. Say something like, "It was nice talking to you, but I need to catch up with someone else," or "I have to attend to something right now."
Limit Contact: If the situation is becoming emotionally draining or uncomfortable for you, it's okay to limit your contact with the person. You don't need to cut them off completely, but you can manage the frequency and depth of your interactions.
Be Compassionate: Remember that some people may have a tendency to talk about themselves more due to various reasons, such as insecurity, loneliness, or a lack of awareness. Being compassionate can help you handle the situation with understanding and patience.
Ultimately, how you choose to handle the situation will depend on your comfort level and the dynamics of your relationship with the person. If the behavior becomes excessively intrusive or problematic, seeking support or advice from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be beneficial.