I asked my mom if she had seen my keys. She launched into a fifteen-minute explanation of why she switched to a new brand of dish soap. I didn't interrupt—I just stood there nodding, keys still missing, now also informed that it's "phosphate-free and better for the environment." When she finally finished, I asked again. She told me about the dish soap's scent profile.

You ask your coworker if he's seen the Peterson file. He launches into a ten-minute explanation of why he switched to oat milk. You wait for him to finish, then ask again: "But have you seen the Peterson file?" He nods thoughtfully and says, "I know, right? Really changes your whole day."