Please don't interrupt me.

I've decided to implement a zero-interruption policy for myself. It seems like a small thing, but I think interruption is a more serious problem than most people realize. If you are having a meal with a big group of people, or are at a meeting - pay attention to how often a person can finish a thought before someone interrupts. Here at Maggie's, it usually doesn't take more than ten minutes before five people are talking at once.

I've been trying to pay close attention to my own interrupting habits over the last few days. I tend to interrupt most when:
1. I think I know what the other person is going to say.
2. I am excited about what someone is saying and am impatient to respond.
3. I am thinking about what I am going to say instead of listening to the other person and can't wait to say it.
4. I know the same piece of information the other person is sharing, and, for some reason, want to say it myself.

So, in the interest of building community, being kind, paying attention, taking up less space, learning from the people around me, engaging in real conversation, slowing down, and actually listening to people, places and creatures, I am not going to interrupt anymore.

I'll keep you updated on my progress.