This big conversation faux pas will make you enemies, not friends
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Why do people love talking about themselves so much?
- Researchers have coined the term "boomerasking" to describe a conversational habit where someone asks a question but immediately redirects the conversation back to themselves.
- A study found that boomeraskers, while intending to create a positive impression, are often perceived as self-centered and disinterested.
- Boomerasking manifests in various forms, including "ask-bragging," "ask-complaining," and "ask-sharing."
- While boomeraskers often believe their tactic goes unnoticed, those on the receiving end feel dismissed and unheard.
- Ironically, despite the negative impact of boomerasking, people generally enjoy talking about themselves, and studies show it activates the same pleasure centers in the brain as food or sex. The study suggests that being direct with sharing information is better received than feigning interest with a question before turning the conversation to oneself.