Dear Abbi,

I have to travel a lot for work.  I ride Amtrak at least twice a week, and although I usually don’t mind the ride, I often end up seated next to a “talker”.  Do you have an tips on how to deal with such a person?

Thanks,

Traveltorn

A Moving Train

Hi Traveltorn,

For those readers who are not aware of what a “talker” is, (probably because you are one), a “talker” is someone, usually found on some sort of transportation like a train, a plane, or a bus, who enjoys getting to know the person sitting next to them, a lot.  They usually are very persistent in talking throughout the duration of the trip, and ignore attempts to end such conversation.  They are usually immune to headphones, books, magazines, laptops, and sleeping.  Beware of thinking they will just talk for a few minutes.  If you engage, even for a moment, you will 8 times out of 10, find yourself regretful. My tips for these situations may sound harsh, but I have found to be very useful.  At the first sign of a “talker”, avoid eye contact.  It’s hard to react to people in this manner, but I begin by being open and say, “I’m sorry, but I do not want to talk”.  They are usually so taken a back by this and will either move seats or stop trying.  If this does not work, you have to sacrifice getting any work done, reading, or out-the window-watching.  Your only option with a very persistent talker is not reacting and sleep.  Put your eye mask(that you should have) on and do not take it off.

Best of Luck,

Abbi