Avoid compulsive talkers if you can

Dear Abby: I have noticed that some people in my age group (60s) are becoming compulsive talkers. These people don’t ask questions of those around them. When someone begins to speak, the compulsive talker interrupts, usually in a louder voice and returns to dominating the conversation. Some of them continue to ramble on even when no one is listening anymore. I tire quickly when I’m around these marathon talkers, but I’m too polite to interrupt them. Do you have suggestions for how to handle these people? Listening to them makes me feel fatigued, irritable and trapped.

Overloaded in Washington Dear Overloaded: I do have a suggestion: Avoid people like this. If you can’t avoid them, politely excuse yourself as quickly as possible. These people are “sappers,” and it is not unusual for them to drain others of energy. Within a few minutes of getting away you will start feeling better. Dear Abby: I’m 25 years old, have my bachelor’s degree, bought a house and work a great full-time job. I think it’s safe to say that I have established myself as an adult. However, an older co-worker calls me “kiddo” and “buddy.” Instead of greeting me the way he does everyone else, he says, “Boo!” I usually smile and nod in response. Recently he said, “You’re supposed to say, ‘Eek!’ ” I understand he’s being friendly, but it makes me uncomfortable. I find it not respectful. Should I continue to ignore it, or is there a polite way to ask him to stop?

Big Girl Now Dear Big Girl: Don’t ignore it. When it happens again, take him aside and tell him privately that being treated differently from the other employees makes you uncomfortable. If he doesn’t stop, tell your boss that you have spoken to him about this and it persists. Dear Abby: My best friend and I had boyfriends at the same time. I broke up with mine three months before she did. Now my ex likes her, and her ex likes me. I told her I didn’t care if she went out with my ex. They started dating, and I started talking to her ex. She got pretty mad at first, and then said I should date him. I have liked him for a long time and everybody says I should date him. Should I?

Confused Best Friend Dear Confused: Because your friend now says it’s all right if you date her ex-boyfriend, let him know you’re interested.