Ah..Laika...it seems as if you're in a very tough situation. My mother is very much like you...she gets very interested in all different types of topics (mostly the sciences) and her natural enthusiams means that she typically knows more than others around her...she has a tendency to take over a conversation because she genuinely knows more than others in the conversation. While I love that my mom (at age 76, she's still working on this issue) is so smart and well-read, I've tried to let her know that EVERYONE would like, from time to time, to feel as if they have something important to say. I've asked her to listen and, when she says something, to not constantly reference her own experiences...to let others have their own time. She struggles with this b/c she is not arrogant at all...she is simply so excited by the world around her and really just likes to share. I think that being a good listener is also very important and I've suggested to my mother than she wait at least 3 seconds after she thinks someone has finished speaking before opening her mouth. What she has found is that this gives her a few seconds to find out if the other person is actually finished speaking and to really think about whether she needs to speak at that very instant. I see her working this suggestion and our conversations are much smoother and not so one-sided....

I LOVE Perna's suggestion about practicing with grocery store clerks...not all conversations have to be deep and meaningful....the art of casual conversation takes practice....and we all, no matter our age, can always improve in this area...people and conversations can be a lot of fun...when you listen, you'll be amazed at what you hear...the most ordinary person ususally has something fascinating to offer.