Is there a family friend, who could approach the person quietly, outside of a gathering, and let him/her know, that while they all enjoy the conversations, some family members feel a bit left out as they would like to add their own anecdotes.

Rachel,

Peter should try honesty and tact. 

Big smile, "Joy, I love talking with you but I'm having trouble getting a word in".

No way he should be talking behind her back or trying to weasel someone else into doing his dirty work.

As an observation, we all have different personalities and our own idiosyncracies.  A little tolerance goes a long way.  Read up on personality typology and cut others a bit of elbow room.  It is usual for introverted, judging personalities to imagine that others are verbose, for example.  When the boot is on the other foot the introverted judging personality is regarded as a defensive clam, a wet blanket in a conversation.

After a little while I get to wonder where my cat has got to and go and look for him. Haven't found him yet

I have that problem with a friend.  I would love to know how to solve the problem myself.  I have to admit that I haven't been going to see her lately because I get about a sentence in then it all switches to her and that's where the conversation stays.  I always end up leaving and thinking, "But I never told her what I went around there for."  That happens every time. 

Tell her that you have an incoming call on your mobile which you have lost and will urgently have to go and search for.

If you offer this excuse every time she will prolly think you are some sort of wierdo who is not worth talking to anyway, and so problem is solved.

So easy .

Any more problems, please contact me and I will advise you of my rates,

Your friendly helper (at a price)

alfing, "After a little while I get to wonder where my cat has got to and go and look for him. Haven't found him yet"

Heh, heh, drier than an Arrowroot biscuit.

Have you considered that your friend may be becoming deaf and as a consequence does not clearly hear responses to her conversation and so just continues on, and on.

My five siblings and I talk over each other everytime we get together. When it get's really bad we pass around a serviette. If someone talks too long we take it off HIM and pass it on to the next person who wants to say something.  it works every time. 

i like your idea bernadette.......like passing the talking stick.

another suggestion for you, rachel, if appropriate, you could say something like...

"(her/his name) when we talk i'm sometimes frustrated as i want to have more of a connection with you.  would you be willing to spend about half our conversations listening to me?"

if she's not responding, you could ask gently " would you mind repeating what i just said in case i was not clear?"

if you think any of the above suggestions just might work, you can find more information on this type of communication at:

http://web.mac.com/bcdaniels/Metacommunicate/Welcome.html

good luck!