But he was too busy asking his questions to hear me. ”

If he had listened to the answer to his question, he might have gotten more of your time. If he had not been so enthralled with what he would say next, he might have caught your attention on a level other than mere irritation.

The charge to just be still and listen so often goes unheard. The (failed) listener dismisses your answer as too easy, and forges ahead with questions. It is a skill to listen, and sometimes really freaking hard to do.

The clueless male (and not all males are clueless) assumes your answer is glib, or perhaps doesn’t consider it at all. Clueless Male, we are giving you your answers. Don’t dismiss us: get out of your head and into ours.