For me it depends on what I am talking about. However, I know exactly what you mean about people turning the conversation around. People love to talk about themselves, which is OK with me as I like to listen to what others have to say and it takes my mind off my troubles. But if I really need to talk, I will say hey, I need to talk to you about something can you just listen. Most of the time the person will just listen.

For years now, I keep a notebook/journal and write letters to God. In those letters I express what I am feeling about everything and anything. It really helps and even though he is not here in the physical sense, I get my answers/support/needs in the most amazing ways.