Stop talking, Please!

Have you ever had a co-worker who will not stop talking! It does not matter what anyone else has to say...they keep this running commentary on anything and everything, no matter how how busy everyone else is...they really can't seem to stop themselves. Trying to ignore them and not responding to them doesn't work. Even telling them you are really needing to focus on what you are doing and can't talk right now, doesn't seem to make an impression. (Well maybe for about five minutes, then they start in again.) It is hard when you have known them for years and would love to hear what they have to say, if only there were time to spend listening; but, when you are on the clock for your employer, it is difficult to balance the two.I try to be sympathetic to people when they need to get things off their chest. Also I know excessive talking can be a sign of nervousness. Maybe a way to get attention?? I'm really not sure, but I have exhausted the ways I know to politely say "Stop talking, Please! I can't think straight with this chatter going on..." I am worn to a frazzle (my other co-workers are as well) and need any suggestions. Any out there?? Thanks...

Walk away

I recently had a discussion with a co-worker that turned into a contest of who could "top" the other in a war of words. It is so irritating when a person just keeps pushing, pushing, pushing...until you say something stupid just to try to get the better of them. When will I ever learn! I was so frustrated. My mind was telling me to walk away, but my instincts were wanting to annihilate and devastate the opponent.

What pleasure does a person get from setting up an argument? Why didn't I just walk away and dismiss the situation? Even though I knew better, I didn't do better. Simple.

Did I learn a lesson? Of course. Will I be able to use this insight in the future. I sure hope so. No one can make you feel like a fool... unless you act like one.