Sometimes conversations just fizzle out, but people don’t want to seem rude, so they throw out little “exit lines.” We asked around and noticed a clear trend: most people confessed they have their go-to short phrases which they rely on in those kinds of situations.
They’re not meant to be deep or meaningful, just simple ways to make a polite getaway. So here are some phrases people use to end a conversation politely.
“Well, I’ll let you go”
This sounds polite when you hear it. But everyone knows that this is just a subtle way of letting someone know you are ready to end the conversation.
“Anyway…”
That one little word has the power to change the whole mood. It’s like putting a period on the conversation without actually saying “goodbye.”
“I should probably get back to work”
It doesn’t matter if there’s actually a pile of work waiting or not. This line works every time. Nobody questions it.
“We’ll catch up soon”
This is friendly, open-ended and sounds like the person would like to continue the conversation later. However, there’s usually no plan to it and people say it as a socially acceptable way of “let’s wrap this up”.
“I don’t want to keep you”
This is a nice way of putting responsibility on the shoulders of the other person. Truth be told, it’s just the person saying this who no longer wants to be part of the conversation.
“Let’s talk more about this later”
That “later” could mean next week or never. It’s a quick way to close things off without making it awkward.
“Well, it was good seeing you”
It doesn’t matter whether it was two minutes while picking out groceries in the same aisle, this will always work. It is a subtle and safe way of winding down the conversation.
“Alright, I’ll let you get on with your day”
This is a well-meaning and polite way of saying bye. It’s like you’re really doing a favor to the other person. In reality, you’re ready to go and don’t care about continuing the conversation.
“We should grab coffee sometime”
Chances are high that this coffee will never be scheduled. It’s just a socially acceptable way to end things without committing.
“I’ll send you a message about it”
Sometimes they mean it, sometimes they don’t. Either way, the chat is officially over once this line drops.
“Sounds good”
This ends the topic, short, to the point and sweet. It wraps up neatly, not leaving a space for further discussion.
“I don’t want to hold you up”
It is a nice, considerate thing to say but in effect, it is just another way of politely exiting the conversation. People use it all the time.
“Take care!”
This is as short and as simple as it gets. It’s a friendly and cordial and a clear end to the conversation at the same time.
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