A taxonomy of Ranchitis

Ranchitis: noun, a condition typical of ranchers to have protracted conversations. Also known as diorea of the mouth.

A friend of mine coned the term "Ranchitis." There are some people you try to avoid if you don't have an extra half hour because they do not know how to have short conversations.  His theory is that like ranchers, people who don't get enough human interaction will try to milk conversations for all they are worth. Like ranchers on the highway who will actually stop on the highway roll down their windows and have 20 minute conversations.

I have several people who can have 20 to 30 minute monologues at me. And I have noticed that they tend to fit into different categories:

Lonely,  these can be widows or others who spend the majority of their time alone.  The conversations tend to be about their lives and experiences in the last few days, and seem to be reaching out for human contact.

Distressed, while some people who are having trouble don't want to talk about it, there are some who will share the details either because they feel better, or because they are looking for help. Some times people Are using their crisis as a way to get attention or sympathy, legitimate or otherwise.

Want to be sage, these characters have some well worn pearls of advice they want to unload on anyone who will listen.  It can vary from health to finances, to the farmers almanac. It is often repetitive and not realy interested in any input or suggestions from the audience.

Politicians, and I don't mean those running for office, but those who know that they actually could fix the problems with healthcare, education and the national debt. Often mostly complaining about their latest pet peave. 

Misguided evangelists, these are often pious sounding but extreamly insensitive people who will try to convince everyone they are headed to Hell if they have not "been saved" according to their understanding. 

The thing is that "being patient with all" is a Biblical command. And however people come across, we are called to minister the gospel.

 Even when we can't get a word in edgewise.

Mourning with those who mourn, and rejoicing with those who rejoice, often means that we need to spend a lot of time listening.