This ‘full house’ isn’t a cute sitcom

Dear Amy: I’m a single woman with three children, ages 9, 16 and 24.

Recently my mother moved in with us. Soon after, a longtime friend of mine moved in with us, as well.

My house has been very busy, as no one is working due to COVID-19.

I’ve noticed some things about my friend. During everyday conversations she constantly interrupts everyone while they speak.

Dominating a conversation is actually what she does and before anyone knows it the topic is turned on to herself.

I’m not sure how to broach this subject.

Any ideas? — About to Explode!

Dear About to Explode!:

Your friend is not a houseguest; for now, she is a member of the household, and should be treated like one.

You should consider the fact that your feelings, and the feelings of others in your household, are just as important as hers are.

You need to be brave enough to handle this deliberately, rather than waiting until you erupt.

You have the responsibility, and the right, to offer course correctives in order for the household to continue to run peacefully.

Talk to her privately. Tell her: “I’d like to offer you some feedback about a habit of yours that is bothering me. You tend to interrupt me and others when we’re trying to converse. It’s important to me that each of us has the opportunity to express ourselves. This includes you. But the kids — and my mom and I — all need the space to say what we need to say. Can you work on that?”

Your friend might interrupt you. Wait patiently. She might react defensively. The rest will be up to her.

In the future, when she interrupts, say, “Whoops. Wait a minute. I’d like to finish my thought.”