My problem is not with a neighbour but a Technician at work.
EVERY topic of conversation will somehow return to her, her life, her family, her friends, her thoughts, her opinions, her experiences... and she'll even cut people off mid-sentence in order to continue with reinforcing her point
I think she did go through a kind of breakdown during the second lickdown and although she is markedly improved, I don't think she is quite the full shilling still. This has made her even more self- obsessed/centred.
I take on more than my fair share of "keeping her busy" (it is supposed to be a 3 department split but hasn't been since she started to wobble) She has a tendency to talk at me instead of concentrating properly on her given jobs. I have reached the stage now where I will type at my PC and ignore her or finish the job she has been given to do in half the time! I make just enough right noises to appear polite/like I'm still listening.

Why don't I just pull her up about it I don't know. Is it her vulnerability? Would she even play the mental health card now if I did? It's a treacherous path we tread, avoiding hurting others

Tricky one Rhiann. Maybe worth having a word with someone in SLT (personnel manager). Not to drop her in it, but more so that they can monitor the situation and make sure that the other departments are using her effectively. Apart from anything else, the school does have a duty of care towards their employees, including her!

Now I can't run anymore you would be doing me a favour Arty.....

Passions are fully transferable, mate!

There's plenty more you can do, and need to do.

Don't you ever get bored of adopting the attitude of a responsible and engaged member of society, Dex?

What?? You can’t run anymore?

Oh my goodness Foxy, you loved your running. I saw that you had a high heartbeat after a run one day but l didn’t know you can’t run anymore.
I really am so sorry to read that. Are you allowed brisk walking?

Oh Dear.... I am going to get clobbered by the ‘Off Topic’ Police!

Reported.

And as soon as I've posted this post, I'm going to report my post too

See if l care!! Bring it on!!

Am simply luring you into a false sense of security Harbs

Twink, Of course, you were only trying to help and advise me.... but this particular woman decided to get on the bus with me to finish her conversation with me. She was only passing me in the street of the town she lived in, not waiting for the bus!
The town in question was about 15 miles away from where l live! The bus goes on the scenic route, so it was a long, almost one hour journey

It was her deliberate act to follow me onto the bus and make sure l heard about every minute of her life spent with her ex husband and then about her wayward son!

Honestly, l was a mute at the bus stop with her and for the whole long bus journey. She wouldn’t let me speak, if l attempted to, she didn’t listen! She just carried on talking!

Then l was dismissed as l was getting off the bus at my destination, so that she could cross the road to get on a bus back to her town!!

I think on this occasion, l am the one that needs the sympathy and compassion...