I've always found it difficult to ease my way out of a boring conversation (yes, yes, 'boring' is subjective and perhaps I'm the one who is boring, but all the same), and curious to know what sort of tactics you've used in the past that have worked to ease out politely yet successfully. Maybe I give off signs of false interest that I'm not aware of, such as smiling or head-nodding, but I just find myself in far too many long, drawn-out conversations about all sorts of banalities and superficial topics than I have time for or can comfortably tolerate, especially while trying to work. And when I say 'conversation,' I mean this very lightly, since it's usually the other people talking, and talking, and talking... That said, I also am very sensitive to other people's feelings, so I do not want them to leave with the thought I'm a narcissist or that they aren't worth my time and attention. But some folks, I've found, have just no social savvy when it comes to subtle signs of disinterest.
2006-10-07 11:05:36 · 11 answers · asked by pat800 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Depends. If it's face to face, a simple, "Oh, I'm afraid I've got so much to do today, I've really got to get going...but it was nice talking to you!" And then back away.
On the phone, same thing, really.
If it's at work, simply tell them you have too much work to do, and you can't concentrate on both them and your work at the same time.
How's that?
2006-10-07 11:09:11 · answer #1 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. I have this problem all the time especially at work. It's always with the same people. I try to avoid them sometimes. Other times, I really don't mind talking but not forever. I interrupt them, because people like this are so oblivious they won't notice the interruption or be offended. I say, "I'm so sorry but I really have to get back to work." In other settings I say, (with a extra happy slightly louder tone) "Listen, I am so glad I ran into you but I really have to get going." When you say that people really don't know what you have to do but your not lying either. It seems like these people need help realizing that they are just going on and on. The louder tone really seems to help to jolt them back into reality.
2006-10-07 11:51:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You always need a buddy to help you out or a significant other. Have them act like you got something so important to do or as if you promised to do something with them. Be creative there is tons of ways out of a boring conversation.
2006-10-07 11:13:53 · answer #3 · answered by Pacman187 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just met such a person yesterday. I kept nodding my head. When I tried to add something, she didn't seem to hear me, and she didn't say, pardon what did you say?. She's so self-centered. She's also a total stranger and alone! How lonely can someone be?
2006-10-07 23:33:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
to not be rude gradually change the subject let's say they're talking about the time the went shoe shopping with their mom last week and they saw a dog being called by his/her irresponsible owner and she was telling you how bad some people are with their pets say"do you have any pets" and change the subject little by little until the whole conversation comes to a stop.
you get better with practice
2006-10-07 11:10:58 · answer #5 · answered by Coke-n-Snickers 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh man. I totally know what you mean. I either get myself out of that "conversation" or constantly try to get the talking to me. I'll start talking and talking about myself. Then they will usually go away. It really works! Because they only want to talk about them selves, and they do not realize how dull they sound. :)
2006-10-07 11:10:24 · answer #6 · answered by Norah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always just change the subject and act like its something important that I JUST thought of. Makes it seem less like you are TRYING to change the subject.
2006-10-07 11:13:20 · answer #7 · answered by E 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i usually just say that i have to go to the bathroom. then, if you're at a party, just sort of sneak past this person and move on to someone else.
2006-10-07 11:07:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always found going to the bathroom a good escape.
2006-10-07 11:18:18 · answer #9 · answered by desert_kats 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Actually, I've got to get going now. It was great talking with you, and I'll catch you later. Bye."
or.. say "excuse me" and then answer your cell phone (pretend it was set on vibrate), then say "Oh my God!" and then say, "Sorry, emergency, gotta go..!"
2006-10-07 11:09:07 · answer #10 · answered by ♪ ♫ ☮ NYbron ☮ ♪ ♫ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋