Question Author
In my own life I absolutely loathe being around people who do not make an effort to speak, laugh, participate.
I have had them all my life - they look to you (me) for a bit of craic and say to themselves - well I don't have to make an effort here.
I actually have had this conversation with several other friends and they too are fed up with these nonentitys (sp).
It puts a strain on the "talker" so now wherever I am - I weigh up the situation on the non-talker and I don't talk myself so a gulf of silence ensues LOL.