Ever had a coworker who feels the need to repeat everything you just said?

Posted by panyanyany on Sunday September 01, 2024 @11:30PM
from the self-post dept.

For example:

Them: Where did you have lunch today? Me: I went to that noodle place downstairs. Them: So, you went to that noodle place downstairs, right?

Them: What’s causing this bug? Me: The AWS data center's network is down. I’ve already submitted a ticket. Them: The AWS data center's network is down, and you’ve submitted a ticket, right?

Them: How was your weekend? Me: I spent the whole day gaming at home. Them: So, you spent the whole day gaming at home, right?

… Basically, no matter what I say, they feel the need to repeat it back to me, with a “right?” tacked on. It’s like they can’t process my answer without echoing it back as a question.

( 7 comments | on HN )

Re:Ever had a coworker who feels the need to repeat everythi... by icepush on Sunday September 01, 2024 @11:39PM (#41422393)

This condition is known as echolalia and is often associated with autism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echolalia

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ever had a coworker who feels the need to repeat everythi... by panyanyany on Monday September 02, 2024 @12:19AM (#41422542)

However, my coworker still seems pretty normal.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ever had a coworker who feels the need to repeat everythi... by kstenerud on Monday September 02, 2024 @12:55AM (#41422698)

That's pretty common, depending on how much skill they've developed in masking over the years.

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Re:Ever had a coworker who feels the need to repeat everythi... by lofaszvanitt on Monday September 02, 2024 @04:18AM (#41423568)

Then tell them to stop. So easy.

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Re:Ever had a coworker who feels the need to repeat everythi... by architectfwd on Monday September 02, 2024 @12:49AM (#41422660)

Have you considered that perhaps they are trying to extend the conversation and get you to continue speaking?

Maybe they’re shy. I’ve heard of this somewhere, that you try keep the convo going by replaying.

Have you tried responding with a “yeah have you been to the noodle place downstairs?

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Re:Ever had a coworker who feels the need to repeat everythi... by smt88 on Monday September 02, 2024 @03:33AM (#41423366)

This seems pretty benign, and it might be the only way this person is able to communication if they aren't neurotypical. I would say just accept it, appreciate that they're listening to you, and enjoy the other parts of your life.

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Re:Ever had a coworker who feels the need to repeat everythi... by navjack27 on Monday September 02, 2024 @06:57AM (#41424331)

It could be a trait of autism spectrum or it could be active listening strategy.

I wouldn't bring it up with them though. They might not even know why they are doing it. But it's not rude and it's not really annoying.

[ Parent | on HN ]