You start talking, and before you can even get to the point — bam! — someone’s already jumping in.
Maybe it’s a friend who always cuts you off mid-thought, a co-worker who talks over you in meetings, or a family member who somehow turns your story into their story. If it feels like no one ever lets you finish what you’re saying, it’s frustrating, but it’s also telling. There are a lot of reasons people interrupt, and not all of them are as rude as they seem. Here’s what might actually be going on.
1. They’re genuinely excited about what you’re saying.
Some people interrupt not because they’re trying to be rude, but because they’re enthusiastic. Your story might remind them of something they relate to, and before they can stop themselves, they’re jumping in with their own thoughts.
It can still be annoying, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. If they’re cutting you off but clearly engaged, a quick, “Let me just finish this bit,” usually gets them to pause so you can get your words out.
2. They assume they already know what you’re going to say.
Some people think they can predict where a conversation is going, so they jump in before you even have the chance to get there. It’s not always intentional — sometimes they’re just impatient or think they’re speeding things up. It’s rude, but they’re probably not trying to be.
If this keeps happening, try throwing in a, “Hold on, I’m getting there,” or even, “That’s actually not what I was going to say,” just to make it clear that they should let you finish.
3. They don’t realise they’re doing it.
There are chronic interrupters out there who genuinely have no idea how often they do it. They’re not necessarily trying to be dismissive; they just get caught up in conversations and don’t register how often they talk over people. In other words, it’s not about you — they’re like this with everyone. Sometimes, pointing it out helps. A blunt, “You keep cutting me off — can I finish?” can be enough to make them more aware of their habit.
4. They think their point is more important.
Then there are the ones who do know they’re interrupting, but they just don’t care. They believe what they have to say matters more, so they bulldoze the conversation without a second thought. These people tend to respond well when you match their energy. Cutting back in with a firm, “Hang on, I wasn’t done,” or continuing to speak without stopping for them can remind them that your words hold just as much weight as theirs.
5. They have a habit of dominating conversations.
Some people simply love being the centre of attention. They talk louder, longer, and with more confidence, making it feel like you barely get a word in edgeways.
One way to handle this is to take control of the conversation. Start speaking more assertively or even address it directly by saying, “Can I finish my thought before we move on?” If they’re used to taking over, they might not even realise you’re struggling to get a word in.
6. They see interruptions as a sign of engagement.
In some cultures and social groups, interrupting isn’t seen as rude — it’s just part of a lively conversation. Some people genuinely believe that talking over each other is a way of keeping the energy up and showing they’re interested. Weird, but definitely true.
If you’re dealing with someone like this, a quick, “I appreciate your excitement, but let me finish,” helps set the boundary without shutting the conversation down completely.
7. They’re in a rush and don’t want to wait.
Ever been mid-sentence when someone jumps in with, “Yeah, yeah, I get it,” before you’ve even made your point? Some people simply don’t have the patience for a full explanation and want to move things along quickly. If this happens a lot, you can make it clear you’re not done by saying, “I’ll be quick, but let me finish,” or even slowing down a little just to reinforce that your words deserve space.
8. They see themselves as the expert in the conversation.
Some people love interrupting because they think they know more than you. They assume their knowledge or opinion is more valuable, so they take over before you even have the chance to explain your point. The best way to deal with this is to stay confident. Continue talking even when they try to cut in, or say, “I’d love to finish my thought before we move on,” to remind them that your perspective matters too.
9. They’re trying to steer the conversation their way.
Source: Unsplash Some interruptions aren’t just about impatience — they’re about control. Certain people like to guide conversations in a direction that suits them, so they’ll interrupt as a way of shifting the focus. If this is happening, try bringing the conversation back by saying, “I was actually talking about something different,” or, “Let’s finish this thought first before moving on.” It keeps things on track without causing conflict.
10. They interrupt everyone, not just you.
If someone constantly interrupts, it’s probably not personal. They do it to everyone because they’re just that type of talker. It’s frustrating, but at least you know it’s not about you. In this case, handling it with humour can work. A playful, “Are you going to let me finish, or do I need to schedule an appointment?” can make them laugh while still getting the point across. You don’t want to make them feel bad, but a little awareness would go a long way.
11. They’re nervous and filling silence.
Some people interrupt not because they’re rude, but because they get anxious during pauses in conversation. Silence makes them uncomfortable, so they jump in before there’s even a chance for one. If this is the case, reassuring them with, “You don’t have to rush — I’m just thinking,” can help them feel more at ease and less likely to talk over you.
12. They’re distracted and not really listening.
Sometimes, interruptions happen because the other person isn’t fully paying attention. They’re half-listening, half-thinking about something else, so they cut in with whatever’s on their mind instead of letting you finish.
If this happens a lot, calling it out can help. Saying, “I feel like you’re not really hearing me,” can snap them back into the conversation and make them realise they need to be more present. No one wants to feel like they’re talking to a brick wall, after all.
13. They assume you won’t mind.
Source: Unsplash If you’re naturally quiet or tend to let others take the lead in conversations, some people might assume you don’t mind being interrupted. They don’t necessarily mean to be rude — they just think you’re okay with it. Setting boundaries is key here. A firm, “I’d really like to finish what I was saying,” can be enough to make them realise they need to let you speak.
14. They don’t respect your voice as much as they should.
Source: Unsplash At the end of the day, some people interrupt because they simply don’t value your input as much as they do their own. They assume what they have to say is more important, and that’s why they don’t give you the space to speak. Dealing with this kind of person takes confidence. Continuing to talk over them, speaking assertively, or even calling it out directly by saying, “I feel like I keep getting interrupted,” can help put them in check. You deserve to be heard just as much as anyone else.
