What's a polite way to let someone know you don't care what they're talking about?

Question

I often find myself in situations where people are talking and talking and talking and I cannot even pay attention, so I just nod and occasionally say "okay, uh huh" and in my head I'm thinking about swimming or falling asleep or anything else... so what's the best way to politely let someone know I no longer wish to talk to them? I'm bad at making up excuses like "I have to go to the post office" or stuff like that.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Answer 1

You have to figure out a way to make an excuse to get out of there. It would be impolite to tell someone that you are bored with the conversation. The only 'out' is a quick exit. After listening for a few minutes look at your watch and say, "I've got a call to make", "I need to run an errand", "I need to get back to work", etc. Then as you're leaving smile and say "nice talking with you". That gets you out of there but pays them a complement in the mean time.

Answer 2

Making up excuses is the surefire way to get out of this situation politely...you'll soon learn your own excuses technique...however in cases where you have someone who talks incessently, I've discovered that it helps to talk back.

WHAT? Talk BACK?! But you're trying to ESCAPE them right? Exactly...incessant talkers want to TALK. They do NOT want to LISTEN. If you suddenly in the middle of their long and boring conversation about their cat Otis's gastrointestinal problems break in with a stellar little tale about your great aunt Gertrude's gastrointestinal problems, complete with gestures, facial expressions and sound effects...the incessant talker will more than likely make a quick excuse to get away, and fifteen minutes later you'll find him (or her) three cubicles down regaling someone else with the same horrific tale they were telling you.

Now this is important, so I want you to pay close attention; DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO SAVE YOUR CO-WORKER...in an incessant talker situation, it's every man for himself...once you voluntarily walk into that situation, the stranded co-worker will make a quick excuse and disappear leaving you back at square one. Or worse, the talker will assume that you WANT to spend time with them, which will lead to lunch, going to the bar, weekend barbeques and the inevitable request to be his best man...unless you want to be known now and forever as "Uncle Larry-Poo-Poo" by the loud and (surprise) talkative prodgeny of your new incessantly talking best friend, you will walk past your stranded co-worker, toss him a quick smile of sympathy and keep going. Do not look back...even if he calls after you...pretend you didn't hear him and GO.

Answer 3

Just keep nodding your head, then say "speaking of which" at which point the person doing the talking should shut up as it is something they are interested in.

You just then need to find a way of linking the phrase into a reason for getting out of there.


Good Luck!

Answer 4

Just simply excuse yourself, you have things you need to attend to. However, if they are constantly catching you to share gossip. A really big pet peeve with me. This is how i handle it and it stops never to be dealt with again. I listen for a few moments, then cut them off and say "Oh, that is really horrible" " Now, what are you going to do" " Are you part of the solution or part of the problem?" If you are part of the solution offer some assistance, or go directly and speak with the person regarding the issue. "However, do not continue to discuss other folks business, this makes you part of the problem" And really don't you have enough going on in your own life to worry about! I do not entertain gossip, and wish not to participate in such useless conversation. Good luck and God bless****

Answer 5

Hello................ Well, you could try being honest and say something like,"This subject has never been of any interest to me,could we talk about something else?" This may give them just enough of a hint to be quiet, but then you may be forced to say something interesting. Remember that to be heard, you must also be able to listen. It sounds like you aren't much of a people person. Just be happy that someone wants to talk to you,to share their thoughts with you. A mark of a true friend is to just take it all in.

Answer 6

Interrupt them with a story of your own at every available opportunity.
excusing yourself to use the toilet is always a good one.
Or if you are in a crowd of people you know then you could try saying, "Ah here's someone I'd like you to meet." and see if you can fob them off on somebody else, or try "excuse me a moment but I've just seen somebody I must speak to for a few minutes."

Answer 7

Look at ur watch 2-3 times when they notice and then say u have an urgent work to finish and it was nice talking to him/her...and see you soon...next time we will finish the rest of the conversation!
Pretty polite i guess!

Answer 8

I would just say: "Wow, it's been wonderful talking to you--I must go say hello to. . . " or "Look at the time. . . " Or, take a moment and inject a relevant question or a question about current events that you do know about so you can participate in the conversation. That will keep you awake.

Answer 9

well you can always change the subject of the conversation by getting the others attention ! makes the conversation a more lively one that is of your interest....

Answer 10

Sit there, close your eyes, put your left hand over your eyebrows and bow your head slightly . They will get the message. They will think you are sick or not well.