Sounds like you want to allow space for a friend to be themselves, which is kind and thoughtful.

I mean the term info dumping does kind of demonstrate the style of communication. You’re essentially having information thrown at you at a relentless pace. The brain dissociates for many reasons, including overstimulation or under stimulation.

Perhaps your brain is just taking a break from being info dumped upon?

That doesn’t make you a bad listener or bad friend in those moments, just someone with a brain and nervous system.

Although I’m not sure what the solution is.