Probably nothing moe than these are lonely older men who have forgotten how to interact with people socially, and you’re new. I’d most likely have tuned out the first two, but that last guy sounds like he just wants to talk. If he was in the service, he might have some entertaining (if embellished) stories to tell. I’d have engaged.

You probay have a quiet, attentive and impassive way about yourself. Look people In the eye while they talk? Not volunteer much about yourself? Sort of an “aw, shucks,” answer to most of what people lay on you? Don’t offer suggestions about their problems because they’re not yours and who the hell.are these people anyway?

Welcome to life as a Father Confessor! I say, get yourself ordained with the UU church ($65 and they send you a certificate, papers, and a card!) or the Subgenii (instant ordination AND salvation, just $44.99!), and learn to say anything other than “sorry” when people lay bad their bad mojo on you. Challenge them with uplifting suggestions like, “have you considered a life of public service,?” Or “Have you considered volunteering in a soup.kitchen?” If that fails, evangelize the Church of Bob or Joshua or Offler or whatever until they go stop.

6 times In 10 they clam up.and go away. 4 times in 10 the soup kitchen gets a volunteer for the evening, and maybe 1 time on 10 of those they keep at it.

Think of it as a public.good.