No, interrupting is not normal. You just have bad manners.

One thing that’s impossible to miss these days is how little people actually listen to each other. It’s one of those things that drives me absolutely nuts—an instant trigger.

When I’ve brought it up before, people shrug and say, “Oh, it’s normal. That’s just how conversations go.” But it’s not normal. It’s just lazy. Interrupting is what happens in a world where instant gratification rules and patience is a thing of the past.

Try this experiment. Speak for longer than a minute with real conviction. Watch how quickly the people around you start fidgeting, cutting you off, or steering the conversation back to themselves. It’s almost predictable, and if you don’t believe me, go check out some Piers Morgan interviews. They’re a crash course in interruptions and self-importance.

So, let’s dig into this—why interrupting happens, and what’s really at stake when we do it. To make it fair, we’ll look at both sides.?

The Case For Interrupting (Yes, There Is One):

1. Keeps Momentum Alive: In fast-moving discussions, like brainstorming sessions or debates, interrupting can keep things from bogging down. Sometimes, you’ve got to jump in before the moment’s gone.

2. Course Correction: If someone is heading down the wrong track or misinterpreting something, a timely interruption can stop the conversation from going off the rails.

3. High Energy Exchange: In passionate or creative conversations, interrupting can feel like a natural rhythm—almost like finishing each other’s sentences. For some, it’s a sign of connection and enthusiasm.

4. Balancing Power: Let’s be honest—some people dominate conversations. If they don’t leave room for others to speak, an interruption might be the only way to even the playing field.

5. Cutting Through the Noise: If someone is endlessly repeating themselves or rambling, interrupting can save time and refocus the conversation on what really matters.

6. Cultural Context: In certain cultures or social settings, interrupting isn’t rude—it’s expected. It shows you’re actively engaged and present in the dialogue.

The Case Against Interrupting:

1. It’s Rude. Full stop: Cutting someone off sends a clear message- “What I’m saying is more important than what you’re saying.” It’s dismissive and shuts down the other person.

2. Breaks Connection: Interrupting derails the flow of conversation and makes meaningful dialogue impossible. People need space to finish their thoughts.

3. Kills Trust: If someone feels like they’re constantly being interrupted, they’ll stop opening up. It creates a wall instead of a bridge.

4. Chaos Ensues: Conversations lose structure when interruptions take over. It becomes a competition for airtime rather than a genuine exchange of ideas.

5. Superficial Listening: When you’re focused on jumping in, you’re not really listening. You’re just waiting for your turn to speak, which means you miss the nuances.

6. Erodes Authority: In professional settings, frequent interruptions can make you look impatient or disrespectful. It’s not a good look if you want to be taken seriously.

7. Stunts Creativity: The best ideas often come after pauses. Interruptions rush conversations and cut off thoughts before they’re fully formed.

8. Turns Conversations Combative: Interrupting can quickly escalate a discussion into an argument. Instead of collaboration, it becomes about who can shout the loudest.

9. It’s Exhausting: For both sides. The interrupter feels the need to constantly insert themselves, and the interrupted feels drained trying to keep up or be heard.

10. You Miss the Point: Half the time, when people interrupt, they’re responding to what they think the other person was going to say—not what they were actually saying. It leads to misunderstandings and frustration.