DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was telling a neighbor that I just learned I have to have surgery. I only said a few words, and my neighbor immediately unloaded all his health problems that he thought might be similar to mine. He monopolized the conversation.

Whenever I see him, he interrupts my stories and takes off with his own, without any consideration to me. What can I say to him?

GENTLE READER: If your concern is that you have to listen to your neighbor’s boring (or gross) medical history, then Miss Manners recommends withholding news of your own.

If you only seek equal time, you may have to experiment with letting him go first, in the (perhaps vain) hope that your turn will come.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.