SuzieQuilts

Its called "having social graces" not dominating a conversation and being tolerant of those who do. My guess is there is something lacking in her world and she is searching to fill the void. She may get better with time, or if she has deeper issues, it may get worse. I feel your pain, as it is very frustrating. When I encounter someone like that, I give it time. If I can find an a good quality in that person, I usually can look past the talking, if that person is turned "inward" and it is all about them, then I tend to avoid them. Good luck and may you find grace when dealing with the situation.

cashs_mom

I was part of a sewing group that had a woman who always talked about herself. According to her, her life was perfect and, of course, she was sure that we were all fascinated by it. She so monopolized the conversation with her talk about herself and what she had done that eventually everyone quit coming and the group disbanded. Besides being annoying, she ridiculed people behind their backs.

I would give this person another chance, but not too many. Sure, she's insecure. Sure, she's nervous. But she's not the only member who has needs and it's not fair to the other members of the group to allow her to cause problems. I kind of like the music idea . . .

BDawn

I would give her more time and I would just like to put in a quote "Be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

captlynhall

Wow! Is this a timely conversation. I just returned from a monthly quilt guild meeting. I don't go all the time because of work and other constraints, but the guild is large and usually has some very good speakers. Tonight, I sat down and the lady closest to me made friendly chatter. We conversed back and forth. Then she spotted a friend and invited her over to sit between us. Not a problem, until the program started and these two talked non-stop thru the entire meeting. I was struggling to hear the persons on stage, and I got more and more irritated. It was all I could do not to tell the them "would you two give it a rest". Their behavior was so inconsiderate. As I did not want to make a scene, embarrassing myself and them, at break I just got up and left, missing the speaker for the evening. Right now, I don't feel like ever going back to that guild.

Neesie

I guess I must have a really rude streak, 'cause I'd have said something.

cashs_mom

I'd have said something and if they didn't be quiet, I'd have got up and moved. No need to let others ruin your time.

Peckish

Please do not lose hope. There are good groups and there are bad groups. Don't give up if you encounter a bad group first!

I have not joined the quilt guild in my area. I've heard too many comments from other quilters about the guild's temperament and makeup, and I could tell that it was a guild I would not enjoy.
However, I do belong to a non-guild quilting group. We meet once a month in a member's home and rotate turns. We have all-day Sew Days a couple of times a year, utilizing our local utility's community room or the community room at the library. We go on 4-day retreats a couple of times a year. We do not have dues or officers, there is no one person in charge, and while we participate in lots of charity projects, no one is forced to participate; it's all voluntary. We have a wide range of personalities and talents, everyone gets along, everyone encourages, inspires, and teaches each other, we know and love each other so much that there is plenty of good-natured ribbing and lots of laughter at every meeting. I bless the day I was invited into the group.

seamstome

Peckish I have exactly the same group. They are meeting at my house this Saturday.

I host another group a couple times a year but a couple of the people can't play nice and have to be seated apart. It's like jr high. You know the "hands only" versus the "embroidery only" quilting fight. Since I do neither I have no dog in the fight.

seamstome

Why didn't you tell them to give it a rest? If you aren't going to speak up then you made yourself miserable not them.

Barb in Louisiana

It just breaks my heart that you would take just these few opinions and let it stop you from trying to be a part of some possibly wonderful quilting groups that may bring you new personal friends and learning opportunities. I just wonder if you have already had some bad experiences.

Get that courage up and visit some new groups. If you don't like the people, don't go back. If you do like them, get to know them. Perhaps there is one person in the new group that has been waiting for a soul mate to come along and have fun sewing/quilting with them. Introverts usually fit in better, because they don't try to steal the limelight from everyone else. When I meet new people, I take the time to listen and learn about them. There are so many fascinating people out there. I will say, that I can't hang very long with people that are "high maintenance" folks, although it has taught me patience which everyone could use a good dose of.

Happy Quilting everyone!