AITA for Letting Someone Interrupt Me?

OP thought they had a pretty simple conversation rhythm down. One person in their life stammers, and they both know the deal: OP avoids interrupting because that’s what their friend seems to prefer.

But lately, that courtesy has not been coming back. OP will be telling a story, mid-sentence, and the other person will jump in anyway, sometimes with something relevant, but other times with totally random stuff, like bringing up that the cat rolled over on the radiator.

So OP tried something new the last time it happened, and now they’re stuck wondering if they overreacted.

Original Post

There is a person in my life that I routinely converse with. They have a minor speech impediment (stammer) and are very sensitive to being interrupted, so I avoid doing so.

(Even when I know the words they are going for - we've had this conversation, and that's what they prefer.) Lately, I've noticed that they don't extend the same courtesy to me. We'll be talking, and I'm telling them about something I've read or that happened during my day, and they just - jump in mid-sentence.

Sometimes it's relevant, but other times it's a complete non-sequitur, like pointing out that the cat has rolled over on the radiator. The last time that this happened, I simply stopped.

I didn't even finish the sentence that they interrupted. After they'd finished cooing over the cat, I didn't continue, because I felt that they were completely checking out.

They seemed more annoyed than apologetic - so, was I the AH?

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It’s a lot like the OP debating whether to donate their vintage watch heirloom for charity.

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OP is careful not to interrupt their stammering conversation partner, even when they know exactly what words they’re aiming for.

Then the other person starts cutting OP off during everyday updates, like the time it turned into a cat-on-the-radiator detour.

OP’s breaking point was the moment they stopped mid-sentence and didn’t pick it back up after the interruption.

The friend seemed more annoyed than apologetic, which is what makes OP question whether they became the problem.

What are your thoughts on this situation? Share your perspective in the comments below.

OP might have finally matched the interruption energy, but it left them wondering if that move makes them the AH.

For another family clash over tradition, read this OP who chose graphic design over the real estate business.