You haven't figured this out in 20 years?!

mrsconn23

Dear Prudence, 
My husband and I have been married for 20 years, and we’re happy but for one thing: He often repeats the same stories and anecdotes. It drives me crazy, but when I point it out, he acts like I’ve hurt his feelings. It’s dividing the family. He claims that since we’re encountering new people each time (we’ve moved frequently), he doesn’t repeat stories to the same folks. My sons agree. But my daughter and I have heard it all before. Even if the story was entertaining once, we don’t want to hear it again. It’s rude of him to not consider every person in the room when he speaks, but he acts hurt when I helpfully point out his repetition. Then my sons say I’m being mean. He’s not elderly. There’s nothing wrong medically. He just thinks it’s acceptable to repeat stories and anecdotes. How do I make him stop?

—Repeat Offender

tawillers

What?!  She's annoyed that he is telling old stories to people who haven't heard them?  Oh come on.

If she doesn't want to hear it, she can leave the room.

ShesSoCold

If this is her only issue, they're doing pretty god damn good.

mrsconn23

DH and our old neighbor were both Marines in the same time-ish and did some of the same stuff. So when we all hung out and drank together, the guys would definitely start reliving the 'glory days'.  I've heard all the shit so.many.times, but I could not repeat half of it because I learned to let go in one ear and out the other.  It's a good skill to have.   

justsie

mrs.conn23 said:

DH and our old neighbor were both Marines in the same time-ish and did some of the same stuff. So when we all hung out and drank together, the guys would definitely start reliving the 'glory days'.  I've heard all the shit so.many.times, but I could not repeat half of it because I learned to let go in one ear and out the other.  It's a good skill to have.   

Seriously. This person has had multiple children but hasn't learned this skill yet either?

NOLABridesmaid

Every time he repeats a story she should take a drink, then she won't care how many times he tells it.