Dear Annie: Whatâs the best way to deal with a person who talks too much?

Dear Annie: What’s the proper way to deal with people who talk too much? If I encounter someone like that professionally or socially, I politely listen and avoid that person as much as possible in the future. My mother-in-law is my dilemma. She is a lovely person but quite rude in this respect. I would chalk it up to maladies that frequently occur in old age, but my husband has informed me that she has always been this way.

I feel terrible that she is very isolated, possibly because of this unfortunate trait. I also would never want her or my husband to have hurt feelings because I avoid the monologue visits quite often. Is there any kind way to go about this, for her and us? — Loving but Weary Daughter-in-Law

Dear Weary Daughter-in-Law: Avoiding chatty strangers and co-workers is certainly easier than dodging your mother-in-law. She sounds lonely and, while she might be aware to an extent of her talkativeness, seems oblivious to the real annoyance it causes to those around her.

At the end of the day, she’s family, so indulge her — within reason. Be polite but remember it’s OK to shut down conversations early and often or redirect the conversation to something you’re more interested in discussing.

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].