You're not listening!

I've been encountering this phenomenon more than usual lately. I try to explain something to somebody and they don't get it, but insist that they do. Or they go one further and try to explain to me how I don't get it.

That sounds pompous, so let me give an example:

I wanted to reinstall XP on my computer, but the CD that came with my computer didn't have the reinstallation software on it (even though it said it did). I called up customer service for the company that sold me the computer and told the man on the other end of the line that the CD they provided me with didn't have the right software on it. He didn't listen to a word I said. He proceeded to tell me that he could fix my problem, before walking me through a half hour's worth of nonsense. I told him repeatedly throughout this process that I was sure they gave me the wrong CD. He finally asked me to read to him what was on the CD. I told him and he said, "Oh, I think we sent you the wrong CD."

Example #2:

Less than an hour ago I was talking with an MC whose beat I just produced. I told him that the rough mix sounded great, but I wasn't happy with one or two of the drops they put in. He then explained to me why drops need to be included in order to break up the monotony of the track. I explained that I understood that concept completely, but that one or two of the drops were in awkward or inappropriate places. He told me again that the track needed drops, and that he didn't know how many MCs I'd worked with, but that was standerd procedure. I explained again that I understood why drops in general were necessary, but that there were one or two that didn't fit with the rest. It went on for another five minutes. Nothing was accomplished.


Seriously, I feel like that character in Brain Candy. "You're not listening! It's a drug... for the world... to give to ex-girlfiends!"

Why don't people listen? Am I the only one?

That is exactly why I don't call customer services for anything. They obviously are reading from a script anyway, why should I even try to communicate.

I'm sorry, what were you saying?

yeah, I have to side with the MC on that one. gotta have drops.

I don't think this guy was even reading from a script. I'd have a little more patience for that. He just wasn't listening to me. It's like everyone is underestimating me. They don't think I'm telling the truth when I say I don't have a persecution complex!

You're right. Brain Candy was an awesome movie.

Every six months when I have some problem with the cable internet the guy on the phone *never* believes that I *might* possibly know what the fuck I'm talking about. Don't take it personally, just be glad that you're not one of the 99% of other people who are complete morons and thus force him to speak that way.

Must just be you, I only got as far as "install XP" before I quit listening.


Oh, wait, it was "reinstall"....maybe I didn't get that far.

Next time you have computer problems you should call cutsomer sevice they are helpful I don't know how to insall XP




Edit: Hehe, just kiddin'... I fucking hate when people do that to me. It happens a lot in person. I'll be talking with a group of people, or try to join their conversation... and I'll say something perfectly relevant. It gets ignored completely and then they change the subject. OR a couple people turn to look at me, mutter a confused "yeah..." and go back to talking again. And then someone else says EXACTLY what I just said, and they all think it sounded great. WTF?!

[Edited on Mar 02, 2005 by TheBestNameEver]

I have the same problem with the regular cable company. I told them that my service wasn't working and asked if there was someone doing maintenance in the area. We went back and forth for a half an hour where they insisted that there was no service interruption in my area. When I left for work, there was a note from the cable company "we are working in your area today and you may experience service interruptions". retahhhhded.


I also have a problem with mechanics arguing with me about my car. If you own a classic sports car, you kinda need to know what you're looking at/ talking about. My vagina does not inhibit my understanding of automotive workings...