The person who answers their own questions

October 8th, 2025

Why do I always do everything around here? Oh right, because no one else ever does anything!

There’s a special breed of communicator who asks questions they don’t actually want answers to.

We’ve all heard them:
“Do I have to do everything myself?!”
“Why does this always happen to me?!”
“Am I the only one who cares?!”

And before you can respond, they’ve already continued talking, usually louder.

They’re not asking.
They’re broadcasting.
They want validation, not discussion.

Quick tip

If someone does this, don’t answer the question. Instead, name the emotion:

“You seem frustrated. Want to talk about it?”
(Warning: they might explode anyway.)

A colourful moment

A colleague once asked me: “Why does no one ever listen to me?”
Then, without waiting for an answer, launched into a 12-minute monologue.
I never said a word.
She left saying, “This was really helpful. Thank you.”

See you next Wednesday.
//Thomas

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