How do I feel like an equal in conversation?
I’m not sure if the title makes any sense but I’ll try to describe it. And also if this should be put elsewhere instead please tell me.
Whenever I’m talking to people in person, I can’t help but feel lower than them due to being constantly interrupted and given weird looks. For example yesterday, I was in a conversation with two people and waited to give my experience with something. It was only going to be short but I got my first few words out and instantly was interrupted and the topic was changed. They seemed aware they interrupted me too as they paused and looked at me strangely. I began to carry on but then they just then interrupted again and kept on talking.
This happens so often to the point my partner sometimes has to speak for me because people just seem to listen to him. I’ve tried standing up for myself and telling people I was talking or just continuing on but this makes people distance themselves even more from me.
I’m not really shy and I stay respectful in conversation with everybody but I still can’t help but feel like an alien and overall below the people around me :(
Posted Jun 17, 2026, 1:13 PM UTC