No more awkward goodbyes
Michela Buttignol for Verywell Mind / Getty Images
Weve all been there.
Youre talking to someone, and maybe the conversation was great!
Frustratingly, you just cant find the right words to smoothly exit the conversation without embarrassing yourself.
Michela Buttignol for Verywell Mind / Getty Images
You dont want to come across as rude or uninterested, though.
So what do you do?
Ending a conversation can sometimes feel as daunting as starting one.
When Should I End a Conversation?
This is your neutral zone, which is the easiest point to exit gracefully.
The most empathetic approach is to end a conversation when the content is neutral.
For instance, you could say: “I appreciate you sharing this with me.
Its clear that this is a heavy topic.
Would you like to talk about something else for a bit?
Im here for you.”
you’re able to politely acknowledge it in your exit line and part ways.
Its a very direct and deliberate form of asserting personal limits.
All of this makes for a lot of awkward social steering," notes Zavislak.
This is particularly true for women, saysGabrielle Morse, LMHC.
“They may also be used to managing others emotional experiences.
So when they begin to challenge their behaviors, it can feel anxiety-provoking,” Morse explains.
So, come up with your compliment slice first and keep it brief.
So, avoid saying something like, “You have such a positive energy!
I would love to know what inspires you?”
“That one word makes a huge difference,” says Zavislak.
Thank
This is your exit line.
Thank the other person for their information, politeness, help, or time.
“Im so glad we met and I need to check in with my friend.
Thanks for the book recommendations!
Have a great night.”
Or, “Its been such a pleasure chatting with you, and I need to make a call.
Thanks for the card.Lets keep in touch!”
If youre engaging with someone talkative, setting a clear time boundary can help you navigate a smooth exit.
Also,be assertivewithout dismissing the other person’s perspective to avoid escalating the situation further.
“Expressing your feelings using ‘I’ statements can be incredibly effective,” saysSandra Kushnir, LMFT.
Can we take a break and revisit this later?"
“This approach reduces defensiveness and opens the door to a more constructive dialogue,” Kushnir explains.
Like this:
Its also worth considering if an additional boundary needs to be addressed.
The key is to be respectful and mindful of both your needs and that of your conversation partner.
With time and practice, youll be able to exit a conversation in any situation with confidence and grace.
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