how do you talk to someone that won't listen?

How do you talk to someone that won't listen?No matter how many times you talk to the person they just won't listen,it's my mom's bf,every time I talk to him he just does not listen,it's very very frustrating.

i think when someone does not want to listen, than you can do different things
1. search your own language or attitude. maybe someone does not understand you of maybe he/she feels under attack of mis understood. often when someone feels that, this will close their hearts
2. if someone does not listen to boundaries that you have, than you have to change your reaction. for example, when someone always says stupid things to you and you told that person to stop that and he won't listen, then you can act by walking away when this happens. cause every change you make in your behavior, makes the people around you and situations change (often)
3 if someone does not listen, because he is just ignoring you, then i think i wouldn't talk to him anymore

i hope the situation will change for you

I guess it depends on the subject. If it's just them ignoring you for no reason then I would most likely just give a "nice to see you" when you talk to them and be done. As far as something up for debate, all you can do is try and tell them your opinion a few times and that be it. My friend from another church has a stepfather that doesn't belive in the Lord, and when he sees him he says ,"Hey you wanna talk about Jesus?" The stepfather says no, and he says "Ok, I love you anyway" and that's the conversation.

You can only do so much.

Ask them questions. Take an interest in their perspective. Even if it violates every core belief you hold.

Is it important to you? If not you could save a lot of energy by simply paying no attention to him at all...maybe that would make him change his ways as well.

The bible says we are to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but to consider others but are to consider others better than ourselves. I think it means we are to seek to understand others even if we don't agree with them.

Yes I agree with what ArtsieSteph said and that it depends on the subject/situation. I'm not sure what you are trying to talk to him about or what you are telling him but there is always an inner condition to our outer actions. Everyone has a reason as to why they do what they do whether we know about that reason or not. I'm not trying to sugar coat and say that people who refuse to listen when you are trying to tell them good have a good excuse to do so, but I'm just saying we need to understand someone might brush us off because they are not okay. Thats when they could secretly need someone the most.


He could not agree with what you are saying, maybe you are trying to give him advice and he doesn't know how to take it, maybe he is offended by what you are saying even if its the truth because he has a pride problem or maybe he just doesn't understand how to take what you are saying because he doesn't fully understand that you are trying to help.


I'm not so sure how long this has been going on but believe me even if its sooner or later there is still a chance that he will come around to what you are saying. For example my mom kept reminding me year after year after year to keep certain morals, to have respect for myself and to always remember God is there. I honestly think if her "nagging" and cry for me to listen stopped, then I wouldn't give God a second thought. I wouldn't be respecting myself as she had taught me.


Just keep being genuine, honest and loving in what you are trying to tell him. Present your case the best you can and remind him that you are there if he wants to listen. You might think its a waste now or worthless but something inside of him could spark. Let your dedication and motivation in trying to get your point across in a respectful way prove that you are not easily going to give up but stay at a distance at times so fights will not start.

If someone won't listen to words, then let your actions be an example. Whether we like it or not, our actions are seen by others everyday. Actions can sometimes speak louder than words.

I personally think that it is fun to engage people who are really self centered in their thinking. I think we have the mistaken notion that proving them wrong will help. If you keep leading a horse to water....eventually they will be thirsty and drink.

Butterfly 712 About what you talk to him?

Stop the talkin and keep on walkin.

You can't force people to listen or change their beliefs. If they won't listen it's because they don't want to, or disagree with you and are likely unwilling to change their view.

Matthew 7:6
"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

I think people mistake talking "at" people with talking to them.

If a person won't listen I seem to remember that I very sternly say "Stop - Listen," then I proceed to speak while holding them in silence with my eyes.

Of course this doesn't always work, so often a person who won't listen continues to do so no matter what I do. So, I just let them be and go about my life.

I'd just kick 'em once in the shin ... I mean not hard enough to do any real damage

People will respond to love.

My initial reaction is get a whistle or a baseball bat.....

1. Blow the whistle really loud......
2. Knock him upside the head with a baseball bat.....

Then say now that I have your attention.....and complete your sentence.....Sorry the heathen came out in me....Truly it is very annoying when people refuse to listen to what you would like to say. I don't why they feel their opinions are so much more important and usually they have plenty to say but you start talking and their minds are wandering....

Personally I don't bother with them as they weren't listening anyway.....I know you said it is your moms boyfriend...so maybe you could ask her to say something to him as he may listen to her.....then just maybe he will listen to you next time you say something....

Some ideas: