Three ways to end a conversation without awkwardness: respect their time with "I'll let you get back to it," return to what you started talking about, or frame it as a quick check-in if you initiated the chat.
How to end a conversation. Number 1: When they won't stop talking, make it sound as if it's you who's holding them up. For example, you say, "All right, I'm gonna let you get back to it," or "I'm gonna let you go." You're making it sound as if they are just as busy as you are and that you're respecting their time. Number 2: Close the loop. That means whatever you started talking about, you're going to come back around and finish it with. So if we first started talking about family, no matter where the conversation goes, you're going to end it Talking about family, for example, you could say, "Well, I'm glad to hear the family's doing well. I look forward to seeing you again soon." And number 3, if you were the one who initiated the conversation, instead of waiting for that awkward space to leave the conversation, just act as if you're checking off a list. For example, you can say, "Well, I just wanted to come by and say hi," or "I just want to come by and see how you're doing. I'll see you around." So try that and follow me.
