We’ve all experienced those moments when someone just won’t let you talk, making you feel unimportant in your own personal story. If you’ve ever left conversations feeling unheard, you’re not alone. Knowing the reasons why some people are more talkative than they listen can help you handle the situation with dignity, and maybe even improve your interpersonal skills. The twist is that these traits are often seen in our everyday Pinoy gatherings, from lively Barangay events to family reunions.
Always the Center of the Kwentuhan
The first sign? They always bring the story back to themselves. You’ll notice they use topic hijacking—a way of quickly changing the topic, no matter what you’re talking about, just to talk about their own lives. Research suggests that about 60 percent of people in groups notice these kinds of topic changes, making it one of the most common social situations across the Philippines.
Disregarding Body Language of Others
Have you ever nodded or looked away to signal you’re done with your story, and yet the other person just keeps on talking? People who talk too much tend to ignore even these plain body cues. A recent survey of younger professionals in Makati showed that 45 percent wish their colleagues would pick up on these non-verbal signals more often.
Rarely Asking Questions Back
Instead of showing interest in you, they rarely ask follow-up questions or try to get to know your story. When someone never asks about others, their conversations come off as boring. If this becomes a pattern, it can strain even the closest friendships.
Mga Nakaugalian ng Mga Pilipinong Manatiling Sigla at Ganda Kahit Tumatanda
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"I’m usually right" is a line you’ll hear in long discussions, especially from outspoken titos or titas at family events.
People who dominate discussions often think their opinions matter more. They’ll use aggressive lines and immediately dismiss other ideas. This comes off as rude or narrow-minded.
Interrupting Others
Cutting off someone who’s talking is a sure sign. In reality, interrupting happens so often in fast-paced Filipino conversations that it’s sometimes just accepted, but too much of it creates negative vibes and blocks genuine sharing.
Converting Small Talks into Tangents
Small details can spiral into long-winded topics. Instead of sticking to the main point, they end up rehashing old stories or introducing random topics. Locally, this is called “mahaba ang kwento”—and while it can be fun, it usually drowns out everyone else’s voices.
Competing, Not Connecting
This feels like a never-ending competition—who has the funniest story, greatest achievement, or best tip? You especially see this in barkadahan or org meetups when everyone wants to one-up each other. But real relationship advice is about empathy and listening, not competing.
- Conversational behaviors: Notice if you’re talking more than you’re listening.
- People who talk: Spot who often takes over conversations in groups—it might be time to let others have their turn to share.
- Communication skills: Good etiquette means making sure everyone gets their fair time to talk.
If you recognize these traits, don’t worry—many of us fall into these habits during fun, chatty moments. The goal is not to avoid talkers, but to promote meaningful conversations by balancing listening and talking. Have you ever looked up ways to improve your listening skills? Maybe now’s the time to try some out, and turn every conversation into a real exchange. The path to better relationships and social skills starts with being truly present.
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