How to Say Goodbye Without Saying Goodbye

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Are you feeling creative and want more than just “goodbye” when ending your conversations? Do you also want to navigate lots of social situations and have the right comment in your back pocket? We’ll walk you through a bunch of sign-offs so you won't have to stick to the same saying. We’ll even review formal and informal expressions—read on to prepare yourself for any scenario that comes up when you leave.

1

"This was fun! Gotta go."

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    If you’re leaving a party or a friend’s house, try short phrases or slang. Being relaxed and natural before you go will give anyone who’s just met you a good impression. They’ll see that you’re easy to get along with and look forward to seeing you again. [1]
    • “Well, I’m outta here. Nice hanging out.”
    • “It’s late. Gotta hit the road.”
    • “I’m gonna bounce!”
    • “I’ve gotta run. See you later!”
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2

"Thanks for a great time! You’re amazing."

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    Finding and talking about what people really excel at builds rapport and bonds. When people hear you leave with a nice comment or two about what they also enjoy, they’ll feel you’re really invested in learning about them. [2]
    • “Super cool song choice! Can’t wait to see what you belt out next karaoke night.”
    • “Hey, you did a great job pumping everyone up. I’m excited you’re on my team. See you work your magic again next time!”
    • “Yeah! Totally down for another round of laser tag next week. You were really killing it out there! Peace!”
3

"Don't be too sad when I leave."

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    Sarcasm isn’t for everyone, but when you use it, it shows confidence, wittiness, and a little bit of daring. Stay straight-faced, and test the waters with a person you know already gets along with you. They’ll feel that you’re both on really friendly terms and can goof off with different kinds of jokes. [3]
    • “Live long and prosper. Or live long and kind of just hanging around. Your choice.”
    • “Yeah, well, get outta here! You know I can’t keep my eyes open past 9 P.M.”
    • "I know I'm the life of the party, but I've gotta go."
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4

"See ya later, alligator."

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    Humor and innocent jokes are great ways to break the ice. If you’re in a new environment or you’re interested in expanding your social network, toss out a goofy remark. People will smile and remember you as someone they can get along with. [4]
    • “Catch you on the flip side! Also… does anyone know where that is?”
    • “Let’s blow this popsicle stand. It’s winter, anyway! Way too cold for popsicles.”
    • “Who needs me, anyway?! I’ll just see myself out.”
5

"I've got a plate of nachos calling my name."

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    If you want to show off your imagination, inventing your own phrase helps you leave a mark. It can still be simple. The unique way you put words together will keep it fresh! [5]
    • “I’ve gotta make like Mary Poppins and take to the skies.”
    • “I’m off like a secret agent. Don’t ask any questions!”
    • “Do you hear that? Adventure is calling me! See ya.”
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6

"Nice seeing you all. Looking forward to our next meeting.”

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    In workplaces or schools, it’s important to maintain connections and show you’re serious. You might want letters of reference in the future or to just keep the interaction courteous. Use tried-and-true expressions you’d find in business emails or in meetings. [6]
    • “Thank you for all your advice. I’ll come to office hours if I have any questions.”
    • “That was a great meeting, everyone! I’ll see you next Monday.”
    • “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you. Feel free to reach out for further assistance.”
7

“Wishing you the best of luck. Take care!”

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    Maybe you’re letting someone down lightly or you’re comforting someone who’s worried about parting ways with you. If you’re turning someone down, point out that they have lots of admirable traits and a great future to look forward to. If you’re leaving someone you feel attached to, reassure them you’ll stay in touch. The best goodbyes in emotional scenarios are ones that take the listeners’ needs into account. [7]
    • “I know that it might be tough when I take some space to find myself. I know you’ll have a lot of people to connect with, though! You’re so thoughtful and fun to be around.”
    • “We all appreciate you auditioning. We’ve already cast the role, but we’re wishing you a lot of success in your career!”
    • “We’ve been roommates for five years, and my move is going to be a really big change, I know that. I’ll still call when I get to New York!”
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8

“One last hug? Love you!”

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    It’s always nice to feel appreciated and special. If you’re saying goodbye to a close friend or relative, whether it’s for a short while or a long time, it’s okay to be really sentimental. [8]
    • “The holidays are over already?! They’re always so short. Love you all!”
    • “Okay, let me get in all my last hugs before I have to go!”
    • “I’m so glad I’ve known you for so long. I can’t wait til next time.”
9

“I’ve got to head out, but I already miss you.”

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    If you want to light a spark, give someone warm and fuzzy feelings by telling them how much you’ll miss them. For people, you want to intrigue, leave them wondering about you with a flirty little comment. [9]
    • “Wish I could wrap my arms around you. Here, have a gif of this warm, cozy sweater. Night!”
    • “Oh, but there’s always Sunday… just you wait. Okay, see ya!”
    • “You’re too tempting to talk to! But I have to resist. For now.”
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10

“Hope we’ll cross paths again!”

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    You can say what might happen in the future or talk about what you’d like to happen later. By focusing on why you like or value the person, they’ll walk away feeling like it isn’t really “goodbye” forever. [10]
    • “Hey, who knows what will happen. I guess we’ll see, won’t we?”
    • “You know I really care about you. That won’t change.”
    • “I think more might be in store for us. I just have to focus on this chapter of my life for now.”
11

“It’s been so nice getting to know you.”

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    Show kindness and sincerity by bringing up the time shared together and the experiences you’ll cherish. If you’d like to move onto another stage of your life or you think it’s the last time you’ll talk, use clear and straightforward language. Your message will be easiest to understand that way. [11]
    • “It’s been fun sharing a dorm with you! I know we’re going in separate directions now and probably won’t run into each other, so let’s toast now!”
    • “It’s been great being on your team. Thank you for all you’ve taught me! My plane leaves tonight and then I’ll be out of here, but I wanted to wish all of you well.”
    • “We’re in different places and evolving. Let’s just embrace that. I’ll give you a last hug for the road.”
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      References

      1. ↑ https://languagetool.org/insights/post/word-choice-goodbye-alternatives/
      2. ↑ https://psychologytoday.com/us/blog/close-encounters/201812/why-do-we-people-who-are-similar-us
      3. ↑ https://www.rd.com/article/benefits-of-being-sarcastic/
      4. ↑ https://www.englishclass101.com/blog/2021/01/08/goodbye-in-english/
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200403/the-creative-self
      6. ↑ https://www.englishclass101.com/blog/2021/01/08/goodbye-in-english/
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-couch/201407/5-ways-make-goodbyes-less-painful
      8. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/improving-family-relationships-with-emotional-intelligence.htm
      9. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2021/07/11/1014019821/flirting-how-to-dating-romance-advice
      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-and-gratitude/201309/8-love-lost-quotes-and-20-tips-saying-good-bye
      2. ↑ https://www.inc.com/matthew-jones/how-to-say-goodbye-art-of-ending-relationships-well.html

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