When shut down in conversation, do you simply listen politely, or do you try to steer the conversation from its one side to the originally intended two sides? Maybe, excuse yourself while Chatterbox carries on?
It depends. I think some people do that as a way to show that they understand. Some feel comfortable only when they feel "better than...".
My reaction is not the same, depending on the circumstances. Right now I'm dealing with some annoying guy who started working who does that kind of thing about the work we do. Seems like he has a need to prove himself in everything we discuss.
In some instances I excuse myself politely, especially when the other person goes on and on, in other instances I listen, sometimes it turns out that the person does have an interesting story or anecdote. When I feel is ill intended, I start by steering the conversation in other direction, and it escalates until the person gets it one way or another. However, politely listening and asking questions, in my experience, has done wonders. Seems like a lot of people have things to say and don't have a lot of listening ears.
Furthermore, when I politely listen or ask questions, I have experience that the person actually stops and/or moves on, but more importantly, they feel good, which promotes better interpersonal relationships.