How To Get A Word In.

[Jennykenny]

I have a very good friend that I admire and like a lot, but we only ever talk about her work, her hobbies, her children, her husband, even her cats etc.
I think that I am a reasonably interesting person, but I never get a chance to speak.
I don't want to lose her friendship but how do I butt into the middle of a long story about her pottery business to say something about where I was last on holiday and what I did there. She knew I had just come back from Spain, and that I am off next week to Italy, but at no point made any enquiries about either trip.
I don't have that many friends that I can lose one, but I get so fed up just listening and saying "Really, oh gosh that is so interesting."
Any thoughts?

[TWR]

I would just say, Jesus you can talk.

[Samuraisan]

Mmmm, boring friend. Probably selfish too. I know someone like that and quite frankly avoid her now.

[ImLostAgain]

Ha ha, yes it can be difficult I know. I've got a pal who does that. He really can't help himself. I manage to get a word in every now and again but he changes it back to him. With a laugh I say, it's me me me with you isn't it. Or I ask him, with a quizzical look on my face, 'how did we turn this conversation around to you again?'
Like I say, he's a pal and takes it in good heart. Only you know how your friend would take it.
Best of luck.

[-SharonA-]

I agree with Samuraisan, I too had a friend like that, she took no notice of what I had to say and when she did ask about my family she always got their names wrong!!! Cannot be doing with friends like that.

[wildwood]

You need to learn to hold your hand up. If she takes offence than you might want to reconsider just how good a friend she is.
I have a friend just like that, and when it is time for me to talk I hold up my hand and pick up any object near by... that becomes the talking stick. It is always in good humour and he knows he talks too much but forgets sometimes.

[Jennykenny]

Thanks to all. Not sure where to go forward with this.
Today we met for coffee and she spent a full hour hour telling me the plot of the Archers despite me saying I have never listened to the Archers.
Will have to rethink things.

[TWR]

Jenny, take an inflated balloon with you, you know where I'm coming from?

[atalanta]

next time you are to see her, take a piece of paper or card with you on which you have written in large letters - "It's my turn to talk now" and put it up in front of your face next time you get so exasperated.
If she does not respond and start discussing her chat-hogging habits, you just have to dump her.