Chippermonkey hit the nail on the head for me. I grew up with an outrageously narcissistic father (who was also a liar/bs artist who conned everyone with his crazy stories). In the past few years, I've noticed how often I have recreated that family dynamic in the relationships I've chosen and I'm being very careful about stopping that.

Although this behavior has always bothered me, I'm going through a hyper-awareness period of it and probably a) notice it more and b) am more bothered by it. I don't assume that the people engaging in this behavior are narcissists, but for me, the fact that they share a behavior with my father is where this sort of instant loathing on my part comes in.

Atlantea, what you suggest is what I have been doing, but I am kind of tired of it! I want to figure out a new way to interact. I am trying to be more talkative in general so I can escape some of these interactions where people just talk at me.