Why your other half might be tuning you out during conversation

brits most boring conversation subjects
(Image credit: Getty)

We’ve all experienced a conversation with our other half where it feels like they’re not listening to what we’re saying.

And it turns out it could be due to what you’re talking about.

Research has discovered the most boring subjects to Brits, with conversations about golf, celebrity gossip and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle most likely to make Brits 'turn off'.

A poll of 2,000 adults discovered what makes the nation prick up their ears, and what makes them tune out of a conversation.

Rants about online dating, Brexit and diets are also likely to make people zone out.

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And while local and national news or the weather is most interesting to the over 55s, gossip, music, and climate change top the list for under 25s.

The research, which was commissioned by high street hearing specialist Hidden Hearing to support the National Campaign for Better Hearing, also found the majority of Brits consider themselves to be ‘active’ listeners rather than ‘passive’ listeners.

Active listeners pay full attention to the conversation by listening and responding but more than half of those surveyed admitted they often interrupt or fill in sentences when someone else is speaking.

brits most boring conversation subjects

The study revealed people tend to switch off during work meetings (Credit: Getty)

While seven in 10 agreed it’s important to interject into someone’s story with questions, to show they’re listening properly, 63 per cent nod their heads at random intervals to highlight their interest.

And a third respond with judicious ‘hmm’s’ when they feel the opportunity calls for it.

GP and health broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones said, “When we’re talking to others we can often tell when someone isn’t really listening.

"As friends and family, it’s vital for us to determine if this is because the listener is disinterested or unable to hear us.

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“We know that hearing loss can be linked to loneliness and isolation so making sure people are able to engage with us is important to keep our brains sharp and feel connected.”

The study also revealed the most common occasions where people switch off including family gatherings, work meetings and watching the TV.

Do you find your family and friends switching off when you’re talking to them? Here are the top subjects that make Brits switch off.

Top 40 most boring subject for Brits

  1. Golf
  2. Celebrity gossip
  3. Meghan and Harry
  4. Veganism
  5. Rugby
  6. Football
  7. Fashion trends
  8. Beauty trends
  9. The stock exchange
  10. Online dating
  11. Cars / mechanics
  12. Hair styles
  13. Tennis
  14. Diets
  15. Someone else's wedding
  16. Mortgages
  17. Brexit
  18. Someone else's children or grandchildren
  19. Other people's ailments
  20. Other people's lunch
  21. Politics
  22. Someone's love life
  23. Someone's personal gossip
  24. Workplace gossip
  25. Upcoming festivals
  26. Someone else's holiday
  27. Other people's pets
  28. Parenthood
  29. Traffic
  30. Pensions
  31. Other people's dreams
  32. Married life
  33. Climate change
  34. Driving directions
  35. Hearing about the neighbours
  36. History
  37. Recycling
  38. Conversations about your partner's job
  39. The weather
  40. Music
Aleesha Badkar
Lifestyle Writer

Aleesha Badkar is a lifestyle writer who specialises in health, beauty - and the royals. After completing her MA in Magazine Journalism at the City, the University of London in 2017, she interned at Women’s Health, Stylist, and Harper’s Bazaar, creating features and news pieces on health, beauty, and fitness, wellbeing, and food. She loves to practice what she preaches in her everyday life with copious amounts of herbal tea, Pilates, and hyaluronic acid.