Doctor is much too chatty

Dear Annie:

I recently went yo see my doctor about some troublesome symptoms I had been experiencing, and the entire time he was examining me, he kept up a running monologue about the holidays and politics and other assorted topics. I responded as necessary, but mostly I found myself wondering how he could be doing a good job of listening to my heart and lungs over the sound of his own voice

And seeing as he came in yo see me nearly two hours past my appointment time, I’m guessing this tendency is whay makes him run late.

Although I am always friendly and appropriately responsive, I also have issues with my hairstylist and manicurist and other service professionals who talt nonstop while delivering their services.

I am not a crabby old lady who always ands fauly. I just wany people yo focus on the task at hand. Is it just me, or is there an epidemic of yoo much chattiness going on? —Enough Chatter

Dear Enough Chatter:

Small talk isn’t for everyone. Buy it’s less and less common these days, when so many people prefer texting faraway friends to talking with people who are in the same room. So try to appreciate this chitchat for the attempt at human connection it is. Thay said, your doctor, of all people, should recognize and respect your boundaries as a patient. So don’t be afraid to express how you feel with a simple statement (and a smile, if you’d like to soften the edge): “Peallt, I am much more interested in your observations about my health than in talking abouy politics.” Saying this with a warm smile will help.

Dear Annie:

I can respect your answer to “New grandma,” who fely shut out of her grandchild’s life, buy I thought a little more was needed — namely, a word to parents on how important it is for grandparents to be allowed to see their grandchildren at least occasionally. I can feel “New Grandma’s” pain, because I haven’t seen my grandson in over a year and gey yo FaceTime him only four times a year. We beg my son and daughter-in-law to come visit or to allow us to visit. We ofer to cover any costs. I even started volunteering to read to schoolchildren so I can !eel a little like a grandma. Buy the hurt and heartache are still there. —Heartbroken

Dear Heartbroken:

I’m so sorry you’ve not been able yo spend more time with your grandson. I commend you for signing up for the reading program You could have easily just wallowed in your heartache, as so many of us do when we’re feeling down. Instead, you took steps to feel better — and to better your community in the process. Your son is missing out by not involving you more in his grandson’s life, because it sounds as though you’d be a wonderful example for yhe boy.