Lisa Williams: I'm getting really riled by this new selfish world

And so begins a two-way conversation, with the friend you've just bumped into, on how your lives are going and what's new. Well, this is what usually happens.

Unfortunately these days you're more likely to get a full run down on the happenings in so and so's life without so much as a hint of interest into your goings-on.

Has it always been this way and I've only just noticed it? Or is it just a case of the older I'm getting the more cynical and less tolerant I am becoming. And more aware of how selfish the world seems to be getting.

These days, for quite a few people, life seems to revolve around what they've got, where they've been and a whole lot of other materialistic nonsense.

Is it since the dawn of unlimited credit, countless gadgets, Twitter and Facebook that some people have become so focused on themselves?

All these means of self-indulgent, self-promotion online just seems to add fuel to the fire.

This 'it's all about me attitude' is irritating beyond measure. These people are all about themselves and it's a bit boring.

If you ever ask them for a favour they will either flatly refuse (too busy with their amazing lives) or do it begrudgingly and expect a favour in return. And be warned; they will not let you forget.

They will always be quick to tell you every detail about their fabulous holidays, their brand new car, their fantastic well-paid job and how little Johnny is doing so well at school and that he's a genius in the making.

If you're lucky you may get to squeeze in the abridged version of what's going on with you.

But you may notice while you are talking, their eyes glaze over, as they glance off into the distance while pasting a knowing look on their face accompanied with a fake smile.

Then, while you're still talking, suddenly they "have to go now", leaving you standing all alone in the street, slack-jawed at their rudeness.

This isn't just reserved for people you know. You can be in a supermarket queue and the person next in line may strike up a conversation which leads you into a long and revealing story of their life.

I often have conversations with people I barely know. And afterwards, I leave feeling like I know them and their nearest and dearest inside out and back to front but they haven't gleaned a single piece of information about me. And that's the way I like it.

I like to keep my life mysterious. I don't want to babble on to complete strangers about all my deep, dark secrets. And if they ask, since when has it been okay to get so personal with someone you barely know? It really isn't their business.

Hey, we all like a gossip and if someone is willing to offer up some juicy tales, who am I to stop them but they won't get any anecdotes back from me.

The thing is, these kinds of 'look at me' people aren't really interested in anyone other than themselves.

But here's a little tip for all those 'it's all about me' folks.

The next time you are busy telling someone all about yourself, try to be polite, return the favour and listen back.

All you really have to do is feign interest, nod, smile and pretend you are enjoying hearing all about your friend's exciting news.

After all, what do you think your friend has been doing while you've been wittering on about yourself?