ideas re: people during break times

At the workplace, there is a break room where staff go for their coffee breaks and meals. It has a large long table, and several little sofas in the room. While I was there, I found that I don't like being with a group of people who sit around *****ing. Basically, I don't like having my break time used for someone else to dump their personal problems while expecting me to listen to this. How to avoid this happening? Bring a book and sit on the sofa? Any ideas?

Bringing a book and sitting on a couch sounds like a great idea, you could also read the newspaper if that is more handy.

I know what you mean. The only other thing I hate worse is when the employees who are checking you out at the grocery store and filling your sacks start doing it, completely ignoring you. That burns me up.

Is there a way that you could maybe go for a walk?

Or sit in a local park or libary for your break ? Take up smoking so you have to leave the building (joke).

Do you an an MP3 player? Put on your favorite music, put in the earphones and drown them out. Close your eyes and put your head back and escape. Have someone tap you on the shoulder when break is over.

thanks, these are all really good suggestions.
Or I could phone a friend. Or write a letter to my friend (but not everyday).