Q&A for How to End a Conversation Without Being Rude

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How do you end a phone conversation without being awkward?

Tami Claytor
Etiquette Coach
Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.

Tami Claytor

Etiquette Coach

Expert Answer

Keep it pleasant! You might say, "We've been on the phone for awhile—I should probably get back to work now" or "It's time for me to grab lunch." Whatever you do, don't just say "Oh, gotta go!" and then hang up.

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Question

How do you keep a conversation sweet and short?

Tami Claytor
Etiquette Coach
Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.

Tami Claytor

Etiquette Coach

Expert Answer

Let the other person know that you're in a hurry and can't talk long. You could say something like "I've got to run. Thanks for your help—we'll catch up soon!"

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Question

How can a person use body language to express disinterest?

Maria Avgitidis
Matchmaker & Dating Expert
Maria Avgitidis is the CEO & Matchmaker of Agape Match, a matchmaking service based out of New York City. For over a decade, she has successfully combined four generations of family matchmaking tradition with modern relationship psychology and search techniques to ensure her professional clientele are introduced to their ultimate match. Maria and Agape Match have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, Fast Company, CNN, Esquire, Elle, Reuters, Vice, and Thrillist.

Maria Avgitidis

Matchmaker & Dating Expert

Expert Answer

If a person turns their feet away from you, steps back, only nods, and does not contribute to the conversation, it shows that they are not interested in continuing the conversation.

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Question

How do I end a texting conversation?

Community Answer

Start off by exclaiming about the time and a particular work you have to do or a place where you have to be. For example; "oh its 12:30. I have a meeting at around 1 today so will see you later bye bye."

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Question

What do I say to end awkward silences?

Community Answer

"Well this awkward (laugh). So anyway, random question but..." then ask a question that will get a conversation going.

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