Diverting Conversations -- Self-centered and Damaging

What is diverting as it applies to communication?

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Diverting is one of the most common communication behaviors that interferes with good communication. It occurs when we are so anxious to be heard and "have our say", that we move the conversation to what we want to talk about. It conveys to the other person that we do not care what they have to say, or what they want to talk about, and so it creates conflict, and misunderstanding.

Here's an example: "You think that's bad. The other day I was...",

You can see that the person is trying to divert the conversation so it's about him or her, rather than "staying with the conversation flow and sharing control of the conversation.

Be patient. Don't divert. You'll probably get your chance to talk about what you want to talk about. You can shift the conversation during natural changes in the flow -- after the other person has finished.