

Since the dawn of time, it has been man's duty to protect and provide for women. Even though we've evolved out of the Stone Age and into a new age of women's empowerment, it doesn't stop the the once more "dominant" voice from being overpowering.
Have you ever been at work and realized that your male coworker or boss keeps interrupting you? Well, you're not crazy, sis! Studies have shown that men and women are socialized to communicate differently and for that reason, men are prone to make themselves heard, even if it's at your expense. In a 2014 study at George Washington University, it was noted that during conversation, men were 33% more likely to interrupt women who were talking than they were to interrupt other men.
Even though we've done so much as a society to learn the differences between the sexes, men still have trouble waiting their turn to speak, especially when a woman is added to the equation. This miscommunication all stems from how each sex interprets conversation.
We love to joke that men are from Mars and women are from Venus, and I'm starting to believe there is truth to this generalization. We communicate differently, thus creating issues in our day to day life, but also in the workplace. I know you're probably thinking of that one male coworker right now that made you mad the other day, but hold your tongue and put down the bat, girlfriend. As it turns out, he might not understand the problem. Gender communication expert Deborah Tannen breaks it down best: men speak to determine and achieve power status, while women speak to determine and achieve connections. Very different, right?
In American society, the person speaking is usually determined to be in the position of power, so who wouldn't want to be seen as the one leading the conversation? That's probably a factor in why men feel entitled enough to interrupt women while in conversation. But, if you're like me, you're probably wondering, how can we make this stop? Time's up, after all.
Let's be honest, it's going to take much more time and patience for both sexes to change their modes of communication. But, as we approach a new era, it's time we integrate new systems into the workplace that will help each party better navigate effective communication. No "manterrupting" included. Below are some helpful communication tips that will benefit men and women on their journey to understanding each other.
Men
If you're "manterrupting" because you simply can't remember what you're going to say, write it down! Otherwise, communication will forever be stifled by the excuse of forgetfulness and bad memory. A handy dandy pen and paper can fix the need to interrupt conversation in ways that jumping in front of someone else's train of thought will not. Your thoughts and opinions aren't more valid or more important than the those of the person you're speaking to, so wait your turn and follow the natural flow of conversation.
If you feel the need to interject, make sure it's because you have a valid point and apologize for your interruptions. Every interruption isn't personal, and as a society, we must recognize when and when not to get offended.
Women
If you find yourself constantly being interrupted, try to change the way you're making points when interrupted. For example, speak more concisely so the interrupters have less of a chance of sneaking in and interrupting.
If you find that manterrupting is a constant annoyance, speak with conviction and ask for what you need. If your coworker constantly interrupts you, address the situation. Now, I'm not advocating going off on him right in the middle of a board meeting. Instead, tell your coworker that you've got a few other important points to make and would like to finish. Surely, they'll get your point.
Lastly, don't take it personally. As Don Miguel Ruiz famously said, people rarely do things because of you, their actions are always a reflection of how they feel about themselves in that moment. While studies suggest that men naturally feel more comfortable interrupting women than other men, it's still not a factor that should make you question your validity in the workplace. If you've done all you could do and find that your coworker still interrupts, understand that sometimes interruptions come with conversation. If nothing else, it can be a teachable moment. Use it as an opportunity to improve your listening skills.
You might be able to show your manterrupting coworker a thing or two about effective communication.
- Sheryl Sandberg, Talking While Female, and How to End ... ›
- Study: Men interrupt women more in tech workplaces, but high ... ›
- Men Interrupting Women: A Compilation - YouTube ›
- BBC - Capital - Why women should interrupt men ›
- Research Confirms That — Excuse Me — Women Are Interrupted ... ›
- Why men are prone to interrupting women – Women in the World ›
- Johnson: Why men interrupt - Conversation and the sexes ›
- How often are women interrupted by men? Here's what the research ... ›
- Gal Interrupted, Why Men Interrupt Women And How To Avert This In ... ›
- The Universal Phenomenon of Men Interrupting Women - The New ... ›
Cortney Frierson, hailing from Tennessee, has spent several years in the television industry and is currently a Producer for a company in midtown Manhattan. Stay up-to-date on her documentaries on Instagram @cortney_couture.
Eva Marcille On Starring In 'Jason’s Lyric Live' & Being An Audacious Black Woman
Eva Marcille has taken her talents to the stage. The model-turned-actress is starring in her first play, Jason’s Lyric Live alongside Allen Payne, K. Michelle, Treach, and others.
The play, produced by Je’Caryous Johnson, is an adaptation of the film, which starred Allen Payne as Jason and Jada Pinkett Smith as Lyric. Allen reprised his role as Jason for the play and Eva plays Lyric.
While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Leon Bennett/WireImage
Spring is upon us, and with this time of year comes the annual closet cleanout we so desperately need and collectively look forward to. As the chill of winter finally gives way to sunnier days, it’s the perfect opportunity to clear out what no longer serves us in life and our closets. A symbol of new beginnings and transformations, the shift in seasons is the perfect time to declutter our space while releasing the old to welcome the new.
During the process of evaluating our wardrobes, we determine what we can live without while looking forward to what it is we truly need. With trends constantly coming and going, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of “must-haves” that barely last a season. To help you create a closet you actually love, one that feels stylish, effortless, and true to you, we’ve curated 10 essentials that will ground your style and keep you ready for whatever the season brings.
1.White Tank Top
The must-have ribbed white tank is the number one staple everyone needs in their spring and summer wardrobe. Perfectly paired with denim, soft trousers, maxi skirts, and more, the combinations are indeed endless. A ribbed tank is relatively inexpensive, even with a quality find that provides plenty of wear and durability.
2.Denim Maxi Skirt
As mentioned above, a maxi skirt is a perfect foundation for a fashion-forward casual outfit. Denim maxi skirts, with their nod to the 2000s era, have proven to be a versatile staple that can be dressed up or down depending on your mood and plans for the day. Keep it casual by pairing a denim maxi with sneakers and a simple white top for everyday errands, or elevate the look with a sleek heel, cut-out top, and moto jacket for a more polished, modern take.
3.Straight Leg Denim
When it comes to denim, the straight-leg silhouette has officially cemented its place as a go-to style. Offering a slim, streamlined fit without the look and feel of skinny jeans, this cut pairs perfectly with everything from boots to sneakers. With a range of washes from light blue to indigo, the slim-leg denim is a timeless wardrobe essential that blends comfort and style easily.
4.Statement Jewelry
Minimal jewelry had its moment, but lately, bold accessories have taken center stage. Statement pieces have the power to elevate even the simplest outfits, adding instant personality and polish. If not wearable art, it's stackable jewelry, with the chunkier being the better. If you’re not ready to give up the minimal look, add in a statement necklace layered with minimal chains and hoop earrings to achieve an effortless, cool girl look.
5.Loafers
If you’re a chunky boot lover, loafers are the perfect swap for warm weather. Style with chunky socks when wearing a skirt, or slip into a classic pair with oversized, long-length, low-rise jeans. Loafers have firmly earned their spot as a year-round staple, offering the perfect blend of style, comfort, and versatility.
6.Oversized Sunglasses
Nothing about this year is about blending in or being subtle, which is why designer frames from Loewe, Gucci, and Tom Ford continue to set the standard for bold, statement-making looks when it comes to eyewear. Just like most accessories, frames are bigger and bolder, thanks to classic aviator styles and oversized sunnies with face-shaping silhouettes.
7.Shoulder Bag
There's something about the shoulder bag that continues to captivate the fashion world. It's small yet conveniently fits all necessities with a limitless range of colors, shapes, and patterns to match any look. It’s also the perfect balance between the micro mini and the oversized tote. If looking for a classic designer bag for spring, its size and shape will be worth the investment, as this silhouette will never go out of style.
8.Button-Down Long Sleeve
The button-down long sleeve is one of the most loved closet essentials. The versatility is unmatched, and the price is unbeatable for the amount of wear one can achieve in this staple piece. Worn open, closed, layered underneath a corset, or wrapped around one's waist, there's more than enough reason to benefit from owning a crisp white button-down top. Pair with leggings and heels for a casual chic moment, layered with statement accessories for a classic spring look.
9. Dad Trouser
Trousers are a great option for women who love to stretch the limits of chic workwear. The "Dad Pant" is a classic tailored aesthetic with a high-rise fitted waist and extra-long hem, a length perfect for high heels, sneakers, or chunky sandals. Opting for lightweight fabric is also perfect for year-round temperatures. Wear long trousers with a fitted white top, and an oversized black or beige blazer with pointed-toe heels for a sophisticated look day or night.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Originally published on March 16, 2023