Is there anything more frustrating than being midway through explaining something, only to be cut off before you can even finish your thought?
While some interruptions are unintentional and innocent mistakes, others point to deeper, more uncomfortable truths about the person constantly talking over you. Whether it’s about control, insecurity, or a lack of respect, there’s usually a reason why someone feels the need to dominate a conversation. And while occasional interruptions happen to everyone, if you find yourself constantly being talked over, it might be time to consider what’s really going on. Here’s why they won’t let you finish a sentence before running their mouth.
1. They assume they already know what you’re going to say.
Some people interrupt because they think they’ve already figured out your entire point before you’ve finished. Instead of actually listening, they jump ahead, filling in the blanks with their own assumptions, often cutting you off in the process.
Ironically, this often leads them to completely misunderstand what you were actually trying to say. Instead of engaging in real conversation, they’re essentially having a conversation with their own thoughts. They might believe they’re being efficient, but in reality, they’re just making assumptions and not giving you a fair chance to express yourself.
2. They value their own opinion more than yours.
People who interrupt all the time often do so because they believe their thoughts are more important than whatever you’re saying. Consciously or not, they see themselves as the “main character” in any conversation, prioritising their own voice over everyone else’s.
Instead of seeing discussions as an equal exchange, they view them as an opportunity to showcase their own ideas, often at other people’s expense. Even when they don’t mean to be dismissive, their actions send the message that they believe what they have to say is simply more valuable than your input.
3. They lack self-awareness.
Source: Unsplash Not every interruption is meant to be rude. Some people simply don’t realise they’re doing it because they’ve never been called out on it before. They may have developed a habit of cutting in without even recognising how often they do it.
They get caught up in their own enthusiasm or simply don’t think about how their interruptions affect the flow of the conversation. While it’s frustrating, these people often respond well to a simple, “Can I finish?” as a gentle reminder that they need to step back and let other people talk.
4. They’re impatient.
Source: Unsplash Some people just can’t stand waiting for someone to get to the point. They might interrupt because they feel the conversation is moving too slowly, or they get frustrated when they have to wait for their turn to speak.
But good communication isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about respect. Constantly rushing people or cutting in makes it clear they value their own time more than the other person’s. And rather than making conversations more productive, it often leads to frustration and disengagement.
5. They think they’re “helping.”
Source: Unsplash Some interrupters genuinely believe they’re being helpful by finishing your sentence for you or jumping in with a “solution” before you’ve even fully explained the situation. In their mind, they’re saving you time or showing that they’re engaged.
While their intentions might not be bad, this habit can feel dismissive. Instead of letting you express yourself, they take over, assuming they already know what you need. In reality, their eagerness to “help” often just makes you feel unheard.
6. They struggle with impulse control.
Source: Unsplash For some people, interrupting isn’t a power move; it’s simply a lack of impulse control. They get an idea and immediately blurt it out, unable to hold onto their thoughts until it’s their turn to speak.
This often happens in high-energy conversations where multiple people are excited to contribute, but when it becomes a pattern, it can still be frustrating to deal with. These people might not intend to be rude, but they need to learn to practice patience and let everyone finish their thoughts.
7. They enjoy being the centre of attention.
Some people interrupt simply because they love the sound of their own voice. They thrive on attention and struggle to share the spotlight in any conversation.
Instead of waiting for their turn to speak, they jump in whenever they feel the focus drifting away from them, making every discussion feel like a battle for airtime. In group settings, this can be particularly frustrating, as it prevents other people from having their voices heard.
8. They see conversations as competitions.
For certain people, every conversation is a chance to “win.” They interrupt to steer the discussion in a direction that benefits them or to prove they know more than the other person.
Rather than engaging in a real exchange, they treat discussions like a debate where their goal is to come out on top, rather than actually listening or learning. This makes conversations feel exhausting rather than enjoyable.
9. They lack respect for your perspective.
Some people interrupt simply because they don’t think your input is as valuable as theirs. That can be especially common in workplace dynamics, relationships, or when speaking with someone who holds strong opinions.
If they repeatedly cut you off but let other people speak uninterrupted, it may be a sign that they don’t respect your voice as much as they should. That’s not a healthy dynamic, and it’s not one you should have to put up with, either.
10. They want to control the conversation.
Interrupting can also be a way of controlling where the discussion goes. If someone doesn’t like what’s being said, they might cut in to redirect the conversation or flip the focus onto something else. It’s a subtle way of taking power in a discussion—one that can make people feel unheard or steamrolled. Over time, this can make interactions with them frustrating and even emotionally exhausting.
11. They assume their experiences are more interesting.
Some people aren’t just bad at listening—they’re actively waiting for an opening to steer the conversation back to themselves. If you start telling a story, they immediately cut in with, “Oh, that reminds me of when I…” before you even finish.
Rather than engaging with what you’re saying, they’re just using it as a jumping-off point to talk about themselves. This self-centred approach makes meaningful conversations difficult.
12. They feel the need to “correct” you.
Some people interrupt not because they aren’t listening, but because they can’t wait to correct what they think is wrong. Even if it’s a small detail, they’ll jump in mid-sentence to set the record straight.
While sometimes necessary, constant correcting can make conversations feel like a lecture rather than an exchange. It also creates a dynamic where the interrupter assumes they always know best, which can be exhausting for everyone involved.
13. They don’t believe they’re interrupting.
Some interrupters genuinely don’t see their behaviour as a problem. In their mind, they’re just engaging, keeping the conversation flowing, or bouncing ideas back and forth. Since they don’t recognise their habit, they may not realise how frustrating it is for those trying to speak. Sometimes, they need a clear, direct reminder to make them aware of what they’re doing.
14. They’re used to being in charge.
People in leadership roles—whether at work, in relationships, or in social circles—often develop a habit of cutting in and taking control of conversations. If they’re used to being the decision-maker, they might naturally assume their input is the most important. That’s not true, of course, but getting them to realise this might take some work (and that’s really not your responsibility).
15. They simply don’t care about what you’re saying.
Perhaps the harshest reality of all is that sometimes, people interrupt because they don’t actually care about what you’re saying. If they repeatedly cut you off, talk over you, or change the subject as soon as you start speaking, it may be a sign they’re not invested in the conversation at all.
