5 Terrible Conversation Enders
Every conversation must eventually draw to a close. Hopefully, you are able to let the exchange end gracefully. Although you may feel compelled to push through the uncomfortable situation with a clean break, consider a more appropriate departure. Leaving the conversation with an obvious lie, a forced transition or an impolite exit moves from excusing yourself to having no excuse. We have compiled some conversation enders that top the list in terrible.
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1) Lie Like A Rug
The uncomfortable silence or the constant rambling can make you grasp for a reprieve, in any way possible. Sure, you would rather get back to your friends or finish your dinner or anything other than continuing the painful conversation. Fumbling for an explanation, you are suddenly allergic to green peas or you just saw your ex in the booth next to you and must go, now! Instead, explain that you need to excuse yourself and leave it that. It’s easy for others to see through the growing nose of a lie, making your conversation partner feel uneasy or unwanted. A simple conclusion works best to avoid rambling and searching for the next white lie.
2) Rude Dude
Scanning the room looking for a quick out or a better conversation to join? Are you yawning or tapping your fingers because you are disinterested in the subject matter and want to jump ship? There is no reason to be unseemly, even if you are trying to slide out of a boring or unappealing dialogue. Show your conversational counterpart some respect and you’ll have a much smoother exit. Explain that it has been nice meeting him/her and now you must move along.
3) Make Up A Break-Up
Lamenting about Grams being in the hospital? Or your dog just broke his hip? Give more credit to your acquaintance, as they are fairly likely to see through your tall tales or fake emergencies. Instead, give a more practical explanation. Excuse yourself for a phone call or even a refill on the chips and dip. With a reasonable plea, you will have less chance of riling the semi-stranger, or more importantly, embarrassing yourself.
4) Indirect Evidence
An ambiguous segue to snub your conversation partner will get you nowhere fast. It can be uncomfortable to stick with a discussion that will bear no fruit, but darting eyes and half-hearted nods are not the way to go. To avoid the roundabout of awkwardness, try to be upfront and direct. End the conversation as soon as it becomes apparent that it’s not jiving. Politely transition to the positive parting comment to skirt any discomfort for the both of you.
5) Adding Insult to Injury
Things aren’t going well and you are done with this obligatory conversation. Perhaps you are looking for another seat, ignoring your new acquaintance or have harrumphed your way through this bore. A sarcastic slight will only make the interaction uncomfortable and memorable, and not it a good way. Substitute your discourteous behavior with a compliment to make your dialogue worthwhile. Bring up something that has been discussed, wish them luck and thank them for the conversation. Pardon yourself to the restroom or step outside for a bit. Just because this meeting is not the best use of your time does not warrant a cutting quip or an obvious move as far away as possible.
Although you may have pondered endless ways to start a conversation, you may rarely worry about how to end one. The object is to be kind, thank the person for their time and move along. Even if the conversation has lost its spark, you never know if this meeting may be beneficial in the future. Perhaps you learned something new, garnered a new business contact or just practiced a little patience. Regardless, bowing out of a conversation with grace requires a little, well, grace.
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19 Comments View this thread in our community
sealpawroe
March 12,2010 at 12:54 amThe good thing about the older type phones back in the day; you know the ones that had the long cords on them. Is that you don't hear: " My battery is going dead. I'll call you back later".:D
Betania
January 27,2009 at 11:44 amConversation enders are the reason that I've had the worst luck even getting relationships off the ground. I cannot believe just how rude most men have been to me, in demanding answers to questions they should never have asked a woman in the first place. Its not that they don't know better either. They pretend to be ignorant just in order to be 1st place big bullies with their over-personal interrogatories.
lil_lamb
January 22,2009 at 09:00 amok. i hate it when people say or write "take care." the only time i find it acceptable is in an email from a customer service rep.
Tonyatko
January 22,2009 at 07:13 amIt depends... Are you on a date with this person? Do you have interest in keeping the conversation going or getting out of it? Between two people who are clicking conversation should flow pretty smooothly, but nervousness and other things may get in the way. If you want to get out of the conversation use one of the steps mentioned above: Exuse yourself politely. But if you want to keep things going, ask the person about him or herself. People LOVE to interest people with themselves so use that to your advantage, ask non-personal questions at first: "Where did you get those shoes?" or find something obscure about their jewelry, wadrobe or general outfit or appearance and inquire casually. I have found that playful teasing helps lighten the mood & opens the door during conversation with good-looking or extremely good-looking people, the better looking the person the greater the gibe. It really helps switch the nervousness and gets them talking, and if your jab is funny, it gets them laughing. I talk to A LOT of people every day, and I've found that a nuetral compliment followed by a funny casual crituque works best. For example "What's up with your beard?" or "What's up with that purse?" Find something even the slightest bit off and mention it with playful laughter and you're IN! Hope this helps -TKO
Tonyatko
January 22,2009 at 06:52 amEach of these five were the same "Excuse yourself politely"
-Tko
StewB
January 13,2009 at 08:58 amSo licking your palm and sliding it down the other persons cheek is a bad thing then? Hmph, who knew...
lilredhen
January 13,2009 at 03:00 amPerhaps you are not meeting the right women. Don't give up!
lilredhen
January 13,2009 at 02:57 amWhat do you do when your conversation partner won't look you in the eye, or doesn't talk much?
DoreeStone
January 10,2009 at 09:02 amNow, you're someone who looks behind the facade. You actually pay attention to what isn't meant to draw your attention. Very insightful of you, and very much on the mark. I applaud your way of thinking and expressing yourself. Just watch the spelling and typos. It was an excellent comment.
SaturnInspiration
January 9,2009 at 04:58 pmThank you for your "old fashion" approach, It's quite refreshing to see and know that are people such as yourself out there and that I am not alone .
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